I feel sure that I cannot be the only reader to find the reported comments of our local MP in response to the recent local crime wave in last week’s paper (Our policy is to increase the number of police officers out and about in the community and on the streets) very surprising and complacent.

I would simply ask her to let us know which part of Epping Forest she is talking about, as most residents I speak to rarely, if ever, see a police officer out and about. Last May I knocked on over 1,200 doors in my ward and asked many residents when was the last time they saw a police officer on patrol and in most cases the resounding reply I received was NEVER.

I am afraid that on this issue our local MP appears to be sadly out of touch. Her words sound fine but local residents know that the reality is very different, escalating incidents of violent crime, numerous domestic robberies and a low visibility police force (Essex Police have lost over 400 officers since 2010).

This complacent approach is now in my view compounded by the fact that many hundreds of her residents now face the autumn and winter months starting their working day walking to tube stations and bus stops in total darkness due to her party's policy of switching off street lighting between 1am and 6am.

No we need to see an increased police presence on our streets and I feel very strongly that the first buses and tubes of the working day should be able to be walked to and caught with the street lighting on.

Cllr Stephen Murray, Independent, Loughton Roding Ward.