SIR – I trust all those who are so enthusiastic for CCTV cameras are aware of the recent report by the Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire, Graeme Gerrard.

SIR - I trust all those who are so enthusiastic for CCTV cameras are aware of the recent report by the Deputy Chief Constable of Cheshire, Graeme Gerrard.

He freely admits cameras do little, if anything, to curb late night alcohol-fuelled violence and vandalism.

The criminal gangs that are supposed to be targeting Sidmouth will be far too organised to be deterred by these white elephants, and young people, whose social responsibilities are dissolved in drink, couldn't care less and may even count being caught on camera as a plus to their street credibility. The cameras may well have the effect of adding to crime.

The only place they may be of value is in establishments like Fields, where they could well deter shop-lifters, but that is the province of the individual shops.

The only people who are sure to benefit are the CCTV installers.

Mr Gerrard also points out that other countries are astonished at the scale to which Britons are now being snooped on by the authorities and that the public have been misled into believing the cameras have a big impact on anti-social behaviour.

So don't forget to smile, you are on TV, possibly all the time.

Graham Bungay

Sandford House

Woolbrook Road

Sidmouth