"Ten.. Nine.. Eight.."

The New Years 'celebrations' in Central London have always provided the Met with a logistical headache trying to accommodate those who are drawn like lemmings to the cliffs of Westminster Borough to 'see in' the next year.

In an article entitled 'Keeping the new year safe' The spokesperson for the event offers sensible, solid, 'Mumsy' advice for those who chose to attend. Such as 'keep an eye on your belongings' 'watch the weather and wrap up accordingly' and that there will be 'large crowds which can make some feel uncomfortable'.

He adds, very politely, that the event may attract 'some unscrupulous people who abuse the festive spirit'. Personally I would put it a lot plainer than that.. such as 'the event attracts scum from all over London, watch your back' But that is probably one (of the many) reasons I will not rise to any high rank.

Assistant Commissioner Mr Tarique Ghaffur adds that 'Big Ben striking midnight is a world recognised moment and a celebration for Londoners'

In my little section of the Metropolis.. celebrations in the problem local, the Losers Arms, will likely lead me to spend my time dealing with the aftermath of Big Len striking the bloke next to him with a bar stool for looking at his pint the wrong way.

2007 here we come.