They do have a purpose, but only if common sense and discretion is applied . . . sadly, something which has long since disappeared from the agenda of the people who run our police force these days.

I have no doubt that to a large extent, speed cameras are simply an easy way to fleece the motorist. But of course they have a purpose at certain times of the day, and in certain circumstances, through villages, in residential areas, and near schools, for example. But too often it has become a pure money-making exercise.

At this point, I admit to a vested interest . . . I was recently prosecuted for going a few miles an hour over the speed limit through some road works on a dual carriageway at 4.40am, when I was going to work.

I was actually slowing down at the time, but very cunningly there was a speed trap right at the start of the road works (they do this a lot now) and I was caught, or rather, trapped.

There was not a workman in sight, I was no threat to anyone, I was fully in control of my car, I hadn't been drinking, I wasn't using a mobile phone, or zig-zagging between lanes at a busy time of day. But I guess I was an easy £60.

Police officers these days are too busy attending diversity courses, or studying sociology, to go looking for the real menaces of the road, so I can only assume that speed cameras are an easy way of keeping up with Government targets.

How about an average speed check, rather than a one-off camera? I would not have been prosecuted and had points on my licence (which has made me both angry and resentful) in such circumstances and I am sure that applies to many victims of speed cameras. But then, that option would reduce the revenue they reap.

But reaping revenue at what cost? Speed cameras are a PR disaster for the police and, like an increasing number of law-abiding, honest, citizens, my confidence in them is plummeting. As I see it, they don't particularly like me, and I don't like them in return.

Having said all that, though, a word in support of a police officer (and I know it's the people that run the police that are the problem, not the guys on the coalface trying to do their jobs).

What on earth was the chap doing in court for dangerous driving while he was trying to apprehend an offender? What on earth is the world coming to when the guy could lose his job for trying to do his job, and protect the public in doing so?

Peter Jones, Derngate, Northampton.

Shops should wash doorways
THE council sweeps our streets often but sweeping is not enough to clean the filthy pavements in town centre.

It is no wonder there are so many infections going around. The pavements in the town centre are stained with vomit, urine and pigeons' mess.

I think it is shame on businesses who are not bothered to wash their doorways and paths outside. I think this may be true in most towns.

Years ago most people cleaned their porchways and pavements.

When we go abroad often you don't see waste bins in the street. The people take their rubbish home with them.

Just take a look at the pavement down The Drapery and around the corner into Gold Street. There is black grime stuck in doorways.

What about the corner of High Street and Alexander Terrace in Kingsthorpe and the steps leading to the snooker club? Even the coal miners wouldn't leave their premises as filthy as this.

Have we no pride? How can we be proud of our town?

Mrs B Green, Thornby Drive, Kingsthorpe, Northampton.

Nearly a year of mattress decay
THE article about the little boy in Far Cotton who is petrified by a growing problem with rats prompted me to write to you about a decayed mattress which has been on a car park in Kingsthorpe for nearly a year. Not on its own of course, as on top of it now is a sofa bed, at least one television and a chair.

If I have things to dispose of, I do just that, either to the tip or by asking and paying the borough council to remove it.

A housing association is apparently responsible for the car park and says it will remove the rubbish and generally tidy it. It is a real eyesore and like the area at Far Cotton is attracting vermin.

How can people be so anti-social? I wonder whether their gardens are like it too but, of course, those who dump the rubbish probably do not have to look at it.

I just wonder what sort of example we are setting our children.
Name and address supplied but withheld by request.

He's my knight in shining armour
I READ with much interest the article in the Chronicle Memories page about Les Necus on May 11, and I would like to add a little footnote about Les.

As soon as I saw his photo I said to myself "that's my knight in shining armour" and when I got to the end of the article I realised that it was.

He probably won't remember, but about two years ago he was so helpful to me in Waitrose car park.

I was in a rush at lunchtime on my way back to work and as I got out of my car I dropped my car and house keys down a drain.

I could see them floating in the horrible black water down the drain and, not knowing what to do, I ran up to him in tears to ask him to help me.

He immediately went to the drain and after a great struggle we managed to prise the grid up and he held it while I literally took the plunge and put my hand into the murky depths and I managed to grab my key ring.

I was so thankful to him so a few day later I took him a pack of beers as a little thank you.

I will always remember that incident and whenever I see him I always say "there's my knight in shining armour" to myself.

I think it's fantastic he's still acting at his age and would like to wish him every success with the play.

Thank you once again Les for your help.
Susan Timms, High Street, Pitsford.

Proud of rise in minimum wage
SO it seems that Brian Binley's prospective successor in Hackleton is no better than he is.

If the Tories get their way and scrap the minimum wage, the floor for pay will be gone and once the poor are forced to accept lower wages then those above them will also come under pressure and that is all of us.

I am very proud that the Labour Government has announced an increase in the minimum wage to £5.80 and there is now a very clear divide on this issue.

So vote Tory at your peril.

David Brede, Blossom Way, Little Billing, Northampton.

Thanks, helpers
MAY I through your columns convey my thanks to the paramedics who attended my wife on Saturday, May 9. They worked so hard trying to save her but alas all was in vain.

Special thanks to Pc Bradley Brophy who also attended and stayed with me throughout the ordeal.

Many thanks to you all.
J Folwell, St Alban's Road, Northampton.

What a mess!
Fitzy is right and the Liberal Democrats wrong. All other market stalls are thriving in other parts of the country. Leicester is wall to wall with stalls, also Birmingham and Milton Keynes to name a few bustling with customers. But Northampton? What a mess.

Get back to reality Lib Dems.
J Evans, Lowlands Close, Northampton.