There are once again many issues that have to be addressed for the local people. Are people firstly aware of what area this would cover? It is not just the town centre.
And you can bet, like many other consultations and schemes in Haverhill, it will expand to much larger areas with dubious promoting statistics.
And in our experience, if the police get their way with the council, as they have, it will be wide open to discrimination.
Then there is the point made by the police that anyone carrying open or sealed containers will be a target.
Well, maybe they can clarify the point that if people go shopping, or someone just buys a can or two to take home, that automatically comes into that category.
And, hypocritically, there are ever more places that are being given alcohol licences by the licensing authority. That's a well-thought idea to stop alcohol abuse!
And we cannot accept any guarantees from the police or the council, that there will not be any discrimination.
Now they can stop and search you when they like, and if you have had any dealings with them in the past whether it be non-payment of fines or just heated fuss, the disgraceful fact is that if you are going home with a six-pack they will implement this law and take your beers.
And if we think this will not happen, we are kidding ourselves, as easy targets seem to be a must. What next? By saying sealed containers, does this mean, if your mother goes shopping she is breaking the law once she leaves the shop?
In our opinion this is dangerous. We are in serious trouble if we are giving police these powers.
And what part of the do-good society really thinks things are getting better? It feels like another enemy to a peaceful society.
Poor old Haverhill. We need some common sense in local government but it seems it's been shelved.
And our last comments are, will this also be linked to Pub Watch? We predicted in a previous letter this would happen and maybe they can clarify this question.
How does a voluntary scheme have any bearing under a lawful scheme?
And can the council confirm that if you are unfortunately confronted by this scheme and do not want to give up your goods which you purchased, you will not be put on Pub Watch if you fail to comply?
And if so, what lawful connection to punishment this entails?
Because we have already seen people put on that Pub Watch without any pubs involved in any trouble with the police.
And as for our final comment, Inspector Dawson talks about complaints made by the public of anti-social behaviour. Well, firstly that's a completely different story from what he tells in his statement to town council meetings that I have attended.
And on the contrary he doesn't even feel he needs to give any statements about violent crime or drug-related crime – he doesn't feel it serious enough to mention.
And going back to the anti-social behaviour problem, we think it might be a good idea for the police to start by looking at the way their officers deal with people.
Because if anyone is making Haverhill a miserable place to live it's them, and the fact that the public don't trust them.
If anyone would like to write to us, we are looking to set up a committee and are looking for members who could spare some free time.
F Boyle,
Elm Close
Haverhill.