THE changes made to local policing since the inception of police commissioners is concerning.

Officers are now dressed all-black uniforms, have shaven heads and carry an array of weapons around their waist.

They drive German cars and no longer live within the community they police.

I can recall the black shirts of the 1930s – the regime that tried to dominate Europe on two occasions during my lifetime and find West Mercia Police (no longer constabulary) reminding me of those times.

The aggressive persona that is now displayed has turned me away from ever helping their cause.

Sad that this is and the fact that our parish pays a quarter of million pounds every year to this organisation makes me wonder where it is all going.

We used to have a village policeman and the next village had one too. We used to report crimes, but there is no point now.

Perhaps we should withhold the £250,000 and start our own rural constabulary?

Graham Hartley

Badsey