Home Secretary Jack Straw could soon get a letter from Saltash council complaining of poor police response in the town.

At their recent meeting members said the police station is not open when it should be, officers take too long to attend accidents, the town seems to be used as a training ground for inspectors, and there is a lack of police numbers. One councillor, Debbie Partridge, asked where the 'specials' police cover has gone, and said she felt if matters do not improve residents would be taking the law into their own hands. She said often people rang the police with a genuine problem, but found they failed to turn up at the scene.

There was also annoyance that Saltash police were apparently working in Union Street, Plymouth on a Saturday night, and not in Saltash itself.

Peter Stephens said youngsters were causing problems in Callington Road, a few yards from the police station and near St Anne's Home for the elderly. This had led to chaos in the road, and although he had phoned the police at the station, and called and seen a policeman inside, he had received no response. He said: 'We do not have enough police in Saltash, and I suggest we write to Jack Straw about the problems of policing in the town.'

The mayor, Mona Tomaszewska, said she had written to Sir John Evans and spoken to new Inspector Craig Downham, and felt councillors needed a longer meeting with the police to discuss their concerns. Members agreed a letter should be sent to Mr Straw.