IN reply to George Cowley (You Say, November 9) I suppose we in the UK should count our blessings.

We still have a dedicated NHS, although the politicians have whittled it down since 1980. We have a free media even if the national Press does not always take a balanced view.

Our police force is civilised, unlike the police thugs they have in many countries. However, the streets are not safe and people are afraid to be out after dark.

Time was when coppers were built like tanks! Alas, brawn does not always go with brain and in modern times these well-meaning giants were out-manoeuvred in court by wily lawyers.

So we had to have coppers "with good educational qualifications". Now we have an intellectual force that is not very muscular - all right in court, but at a disadvantage on the streets.

D E MARGRETT,

Worcester.