Sir, – It might be Monday morning, it might be pouring with rain and slightly cooler than has recently been the case, however I feel comfortable and heartened that I am safer from crime and I have nothing to fear from anti social behaviour (ASB).

It’s not that I’ve invested in the latest intruder alarm for my home or indeed fitted my own multi-coverage CCTV system to automatically scan the perimeters of my property. No. The postman has delivered a leaflet to instruct me that my life is better and that my county remains “one of the safest policing areas in the country”. For that I remain eternally grateful.

I also appreciate that so many people (and quangos) are tirelessly “working in partnership” so that I can enjoy my life and not worry a jot about the crime or ASB blighting the rest of my nation. All this feel-good factor is down to the “enthusiasm” of those involved in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour issues in the area. I can only imagine how terrible things would be if it were not for the Hambleton Community Safety Partnership – hambletonsafety.org.

So, when I pick my way through discarded takeaway food wrappers and broken glass on every street corner, when I run the gauntlet of foulmouthed drunken youths in designated non-drinking areas and when my sleep is disturbed at 3am most mornings by cursing and screaming exuberant youngsters staggering home worse for drink, I’ll remind myself it must have been a dream.

And, after I manage to avoid collision with the customised boom box on wheels heading to the local “doughnut” competition, and finally find a space to park my car among all the inconsiderately /illegally parked vehicles, I’ll be able to go into my house like other retired people, double lock all the doors and windows, put my slippers on and make a cup of tea.

I’ll relax in my comfy chair and take solace in the knowledge that I’m safe. Did I just hear glass breaking outside or was it on the TV?

Note to self: Must complete the Have Your Say feedback form in the Safer Neighbourhoods summary blowing-sunshine-up-your-backside-leaflet to thank them for all their good work and tell them that their website is offline! How many others will?

DAVE HASNEY Northallerton.