Following the failure of the G4S company to supply sufficient numbers of security personnel to the London site of the Olympic games, it has been announced that the shortfall will be redressed by drafting in soldiers and police officers.

Nine police forces, it is reported, will be sending officers, and among them is Dorset.

This is, to say the least, a surprising choice, because of course, Dorset is the one place, apart from London, which is hosting a significant element of the Games, namely the sailing at Weymouth and Portland .

It might be thought that our town deserves the attentions of as many local police officers as can be mustered for the occasion.

The security failure, whether it is chiefly the fault of G4S, the Home Office, the Games’s organisers or a combination of all three, must not be allowed to detract from enjoyment of the Games at the moment. There will be time for an inquiry afterwards.

Meanwhile, as usual, our national prestige will be maintained by loyal public servants rather than huge private companies who are there to cream off the profits.

It is ironic that, due to Govern-ment cuts, many soldiers and police officers will be attending the Games with P45s in their back pocket.

Meanwhile, there is a clear need for a public statement by the Dorset Police to explain how this leak of officers will impact on our own policing situation, especially bearing in mind the extra requirements of Weymouth and Portland at this time.

Dr Alan Chedzoy Spa Road Weymouth