Pedal power

The Tour Of Britain cycle race passed through Scarborough this afternoon, and we wandered along to Ramshill Road to watch the pedallers pass through.

It wasn't in the event, much of a spectacle as far as the cyclists were concerned - just five chaps whizzing past so quickly we almost missed them, then a couple of minutes later, 50 or so going through in a pack.

More remarkable was the squadron of police motorcyclists who shepherded the cyclists through town.

There were dozens of them, from several forces, clearing the way and holding up traffic.

The next time the police explain that they have to prioritise their time, and that they are therefore too busy to attend a burglary, assault or theft, I shall remember the sight of the arrogant, shouting escorts, who were clearly revelling in their involvement with the televised race.

I do hope that, at the very least, the race organisers are being charged for police time, as are football clubs, so that the cost does not fall on the taxpayers for whom a policeman in uniform is normally such a rare sight.