I READ with interest your articles regarding the problems faced by market stall owners who are being terrorised by gangs of youths causing damage and intimidating the public (September 11).

I note the observation by one trader that the police did not seem interested, and the comment made by the police that they would like the public to supply them with the names and addresses of those responsible "so our officers can take it that step further".

I hate to disillusion anyone, but if that "step further" is the same one we have seen on previous occasions, I for one wouldn't waste the phone call.

One car was broken into and a van had its doors forced in our street last Saturday night. The incident was reported to the police and when asked what would happened next, we were told "probably nothing", which turned out to be true.

I suggest the "step further" we need is a police presence that is actually seen to be tackling these problems, not apparently sitting back and waiting for Joe Public to do the job for them.

I would further suggest that if the police are stretched to the limit and can't respond to present issues, then that is indicative of a previous lack of action or manpower, and the problem is already out of control.

Mr SJ Plows,

Ash Street,

Poppleton Road,

York.

Updated: 08:45 Saturday, September 13, 2003