THE public consistently rank law and order among their top three concerns. Crime, and the fear of it, blights lives. I am therefore minded to support the creation of a new council cabinet position for community safety.

However, as with any new position, it will be up to Coun Fraser, the new cabinet member, to define his role, to justify the additional expense of his position and to use all of his influence to help make York a safer place for all.

Therefore, I am surprised to learn that given his new role Coun Fraser did not feel it necessary to sit on the North Yorkshire Police Authority, but instead delegated this responsibility to the newly elected Coun Fitzpatrick. No joined-up thinking here: instead of York’s very own Commissioner Gordon, we’re stuck with the dynamic duo!

Paul S Healey, Merchant Exchange, Bridge Street, York.