I AM concerned to see that Mayfair security is expanding the area it covers to encompass Heslington and Fulford.

Why is it necessary to have private security firms covering York?

Heslington and Fulford have relatively low levels of crime, and I have serious concerns that the service may end up just being a policing service to keep the student population in check.

If there are major crime problems in the areas which have taken on Mayfair, they should be tackled by the police.

With this solution, not only are we paying a considerable part of our council tax to the police service, but on top of that we are paying extra for private security.

This is another example of private companies being drafted in to do the job of public servants.

Andrew Collingwood,

Turners Croft,

York.

Updated: 10:50 Thursday, July 31, 2003