I must agree with Ringmer Parish councillor Stuart Bean (Letters, August 29) about all of us being involved with the fight against crime.

Judging by the number of senior police officers who are involved, Ringmer must be a very important part of Sussex.

Is that where Chief Constable Ken Jones lives?

I recall the picture of Mr Jones standing at the Clock Tower in Brighton soon after it was announced that an officer would be in attendance for 24 hours a day - a service which has now been withdrawn.

Then there was the publicity given to opening local police stations. Looking into that gimmick a little further you see they are only open for a few hours a day, not as they used to be.

I imagine this too will be shelved in the near future due to cost.

Officers are now back in residence at Peacehaven police station but, although you do see the police, it's only as they are getting into their cars prior to disappearing again.

The greatest gimmick of all is the famous blue lamps. We have been told for more years than I can remember that the "Dixon" image went away and could never be revived.

Let me remind the Chief Constable that the "Dixon" era gave us policeman on the beat. Is that what will follow?

-D Rowland, Telscombe Cliffs