I WISH to examine Royal Ascot from a policing angle.

Having served both in York City Police and, for the main part of my career, in London based at Wembley between 1954-1982 policing major events, I have every sympathy with all the various agencies involved.

Scotland Yard will provide security for the royal family and other notable dignitaries. However, I hope City of York Council is up to the task which awaits them regarding street vendors, traffic management and all the other miscellaneous problems that will arise.

As for the 500-strong police presence, bureaucracy, and paper work will dramatically reduce the number of front-line officers. Where will the reserves come from to fill this void? I was privileged to be a police cadet in York during York City FC's Cup Run when the conduct of spectators and policing was exemplary. A real family occasion. Will the same conduct apply this time?

Kenneth Bowker,

Vesper Walk,

Huntington, York.

Updated: 10:17 Thursday, March 31, 2005