SIR - I'm writing in response to your comment article of October 27 headlined "BBC must admit that it has got it so wrong", particularly the assertion that our decision to broadcast the fact that Worcester's CCTV cameras have been switched off for several weeks was "maybe down to inexperience or innocent amateurism".

CCTV cameras are a key part of policing in our cities today, and when that key element is withdrawn for a significant period of time, we believe the public has a right to be informed, and to be told what the police are doing to ensure the security of citizens is maintained.

This includes local traders and shopkeepers, the majority of whom were unaware of the situation until informed by the BBC. Indeed, one trader had suffered vandalism at her shop the day before our broadcast - and it was only when she sought out the CCTV pictures of the incident that she was told that it was not operating.

The claim that criminals would deliberately flood into Worcester when they heard of the CCTV situation is unsubstantiated. However, we were careful not to specify which cameras were being switched off or when. We understand why the Worcester News decided not to run the story due to it, in their opinion, not being in the public interest, but we believe that it was.

JAMES COGHILL, Managing Editor BBC Hereford & Worcester.