OPERATION Sacristy, an external inquiry into Cleveland Police, must not be allowed to become another Lancet-style police Inquiry which lasted more than five years and cost more than £7m.

We should welcome Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon’s early intervention in which he has put several constructive and open questions to Cleveland Police Authority chairman Peter Race. However, despite all the concerns expressed publicly and privately by Mr Mallon and the chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, they both know that the cost and the time taken to complete the Operation Sacristy Inquiry rests in the hands of Warwickshire Police and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary.

It is of great public concern that this inquiry is already costing the public purse over £100,000 a month – money which should be providing much needed 24-hour policing throughout Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland and Stockton.

Cleveland Police is facing a £17m cut in its budget over the next two years and I can understand why many people are drawing parallels with the cost of Operation Lancet.

I would encourage Mr Mallon to seek an urgent meeting with the Home Secretary.

I would think that Peter Race and his police authority members would welcome such timely external intervention in getting a speedy and cost effective conclusion to Operation Sacristy.

Ken Walker, Middlesbrough.