SUPERINTENDENT Roger Young's pledge to promote old-fashioned policing and to help rid the Force of corruption is to be applauded.>

The Bucks Free Press comments on some of this week's stories

Let's applaud traditional police ideas

SUPERINTENDENT Roger Young's pledge to promote old-fashioned policing and to help rid the Force of corruption is to be applauded.

In an age when police officers are all too often seen as distant, unapproachable figures, it is reassuring to learn there are still traditionalists in the Force who are determined to transpose that image.

Figures released this week have revealed that crime in the High Wycombe and Amersham area is down overall by eight per cent, and burglaries have fallen by a staggering 25 per cent - evidence that Supt Young's formula works.

Reducing the fear of crime is also at the heart of the superintendent's strategy.

He says he is anxious that the public do not make themselves prisoners of their own homes in fear of what they may encounter on the streets.

To give in to this apprehension, he said, would be surrendering to those who perpetuate crimes.

According to Supt Young, Mr and Mrs Average can walk through High Wycombe town centre on any night of the week without the fear of being assaulted.

This officer is not giving into crime and neither should we.

He has stressed that the fight against wrong-doing can only be won with our help.

For the good of our community we should all acknowledge this fact.

Disabled girl deserves better

IT is shocking to learn disabled Sarah Balsdon cannot use care facilities just minutes from her own home.

Buckinghamshire Health Authority does not have the cash to joint fund a place for her in Cotswold Cottage.

Instead she has to travel more than 50 miles to another home in a different county.

Social Services is prepared to pay £900 a week for this, when it would cost just £600 between both authorities to house her locally under the original plan.

It is madness when the spiralling cost of health care can force this situation on families who want the best care possible for their children.

By placing Sarah so far from her parents, the state is tearing apart a family when it seems there is no need.

The two authorities responsible for this predicament are meeting today to discuss what it can do.

For the sake of Sarah and her family, money should not be a barrier to their happiness.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.