down after his surprise pull-out yesterday from the US presidential race.

The news will be greeted with relief by some members of the nearby Mid Ocean Club who have spoken of security "overkill''.

But many people in the area seemed largely unmoved by yesterday's announcement when contacted by The Royal Gazette .

Mr. Perot has a luxury home straddling Winsor Beach and his son owns another nearby.

During his campaign Mr. Perot's personal guards teamed up with Bermudian Policemen as part of beefed-up security measures.

Helicopters were also banned from flying low over the properties.

Dental surgeon Dr. William (Peter) Outerbridge, a member of the Mid Ocean Club, was among those who expressed concern over the tight security.

He complained about being challenged by guards and Police while visiting the club.

Yesterday Mr. Bryan Mewett, general manager of the club, told The Royal Gazette : "I have not received one complaint from members of the public about the security arrangements.

"There have been some comments from club members about overkill, but no official complaints.'' Mr. Mewett said most members of the club were known to security personnel and would not be challenged.

He added the club did play a small part in Mr. Perot's security -- but scaling it down had not been discussed yet.

Club president Mr. C.H. Ford Hutchings believed security would be diminished gradually.

"It will probably revert back to what it was before,'' he said.

Mr. Hutchings added: "I don't think Perot's decision to pull out will make any difference to people in Bermuda. They will just say `well one chapter is over, let's get on with the next one'.

"I don't think it's going to have any affect. Mr. Perot will still be news when he comes here. He has shaken the political establishment up.'' Mr. Bill Black, president of Island Wide Security, said yesterday the firm had played a small role in Mr. Perot's security -- and would continue to do so until instructed otherwise.

"We haven't received any word from him,'' he said.

Bermuda Police were yesterday remaining tightlipped about developments.

Mr. Paul Lewis, a volunteer for Mr. Perot's campaign team, said it was unlikely security arrangements in Bermuda would be altered immediately.

He added Mr. Perot had no immediate plans for a get-away break on the Island.