Roy PHillips, of St Joseph's Court, Carlton Place, Teignmouth, writes:

On page 19 of last week's newspaper, there is a quarter-page article headed Police aim for £12m savings in merger of service. It states that Devon and Cornwall police chiefs have indicated savings of £12 million after approving a large-scale strategic allegiance with the force in Dorset.

The stated aim is said to be 'to maintain a high standard of police serving at a time when police budgets are reducing'. In other words, one of the most basic and essential services for all residents is being cut, yet again, to save money.

Our police service is our true first line of defence for all of us in this country, yet at the same time our government and its ministers can easily find millions of pounds to readily give in order, in my view, to interfere in the affairs of so many other nations – the many millions squandered in Libya, their support for so-called freedom fighters in so many other countries and especially the Middle East.

This constant display of our international status is being paid for by cutting basic services to all in this country.

I think it is a disgrace that food banks are needed in this country while at the same time millions of pounds are given to countries governed by despots and self-seekers.

The first duty of government, at all levels, should be to its people – to their health, welfare and safety. In recent times in Teignmouth, we hae seen how we have been short-changed in local policing.

In these uncertain times, and with our high level of elderly, we need to reassess this, so that people can be confident that in times of distress our police are there for us.

Teignmouth, a town of some 16,000 people, should again have its own police station, open 24 hours a day seven days a week and not, as now, be reduced to a telephone service.

Is that to be the future for all our esssential services – a voice on the telephone?

What price, then, for being a world power paid for, as usual, by we the public?