ECHO readers have been writing in in the wake of the Paris attacks expressing their concern about the level of policing in Essex. 

Here's what you had to say. 

DEATHS in Tunisia, on a Russian plane and now Paris, again.

These cowardly acts against innocent people are getting closer.

This is definitely not the time to consider drastic cuts to our police and security services.

Billions of foreign aid is squandered and misappropriated and at this time of year, excuses made to use up whatever remains in the budget.

The Government needs to put an end to this constant waste and put the funds where it has a duty of care – to adequately protect the people of this country.

ROBERT BAILLIE St Marys Road Benfleet

...WE must spare more than a moment in thought for the tragic Parisian attacks. They were nothing short of an act of war upon France and we in the UK must brace ourselves, while taking every precaution a free country can, for atrocity.

The issue of borders must top the national and international political agenda as a constant item for all our sakes.

Cllr MARK FLEWITT Borman Close, Leigh

...THE tragic events in Paris go to show that at this time, a reduction on our police and military numbers is suicide for any government.

The British security services have foiled many terrorist attacks, but the Government should not be complacent that it has solved the problem.

The Government must invest heavily in keeping the citizens of this country as safe as possible, or else we will lose the way of life as we know it.

The people I feel sorry for are the Muslims who live here in peace and who integrate. The actions of the small number of radicalised Muslims, with their twisted interpretation of the Koran, is trying to provoke anger within Britain and bring confrontation.

With David Cameron offering the French any assistance possible, who is he going to send? Captain Mainwaring and company? We need all the protection we can muster here, so France’s atrocity does not become our atrocity.

Many terrorists are home grown, so why are the people, of whom the security forces are fully aware, allowed back into Britain after training and fighting abroad?

Mr Cameron must wake up and do the job he was elected to do.

Protect Britain, even if it means delaying the balance of payments target.

Cllr ALAN BAYLEY Essex County Council

...WHAT is the price of democracy?

I would say a great deal following what has happened in Paris.

Is it a price worth paying? I would say democracy has no price tag, certainly not in the way Southend Council leader Ron Woodley wants, which is a council made up of two thirds of the present representatives who will be more than dominated by the council officers.

At the moment, council officers cost the ratepayer £280,000 pounds per year with 42 per cent of this money going to four higher managers.

If you have you ever tried to get hold of one of these officers, you will find it almost impossible, especially when some of them work from home.

If Mr Woodley wants a good place to start saving money, then look no further.

JIM BOSCOMBE Bournemouth Park Road Southend