Feedback: Justice should be a matter for the local community

SUZANNE Savill, writing in the Post's magazine Seven, pleaded "Let's call time on street drinking" (November 1).

Bristol is not alone; such behaviour is commonplace all across the region.

Adults cycling on pavements is an example of the law being held in contempt. Disrespect for the law is widespread. That is the result of inadequate policing, as Suzanne pointed out in her article.

The problem arises from the fact that the police answer to the Home Secretary in London.

The Home Secretary is a member of a cabinet which is trying to govern an increasingly diverse and large population, as well as conduct two wars, mediate elsewhere and keep the economy afloat in the current storm.

The old watch system should be revived, with powerful watch committees. Towns and cities like Bristol, and district councils, should be able to build and run local prisons to house those sentenced by local magistrates.

TR Spratt, Address supplied.