IN a report in the Evening News (Monday April 23) MP Mike Foster said the sharp rise in recruitment figures was "clear evidence" the Government was fulfilling its commitment to increase police numbers.

On the same day, on Radio 5 Live, a senior police spokesman for West Mercia said that - although there were some 89 recruits in training, who obviously still needed to qualify - there was also wastage, or police leaving and retiring, of about 200 officers.

A spokeswoman from the Police Federation said that, over the whole country, there would be no gain but a deficit in police numbers.

So, at the risk of again upsetting Colin Jones, I have to ask who is right? The politicians, or the police in the job?

BRIAN HUNT, Worcester.