Many people are naturally relieved at First Buses reprieving, for the time being at least, the service to Sutton Poyntz.

Am I alone, however, at being very concerned to see that after over 60 years it will no longer be possible to pick up the No 1 bus from Weymouth to Portland at the Town Bridge, as the new route will be avoiding the town centre entirely?

Surely this is a considerable reduction in the service with quite an adverse impact on many people. If you are at the southern end of the town, and perhaps laden with shopping, you have either to walk all the way back to the Statue, or along North Quay and along part of Westwey Road to get to Portland.

Similarly if one is living in or visiting the Hope Square area, to get a bus back to Portland will involve quite a long walk.

This unfortunate alteration has not been given much publicity but will certainly make life difficult, particularly for older people and anyone with a disability.

I realise that a simplified route suits the bus company’s purposes but they do have passengers to consider.

Richard Samways

Albert Terrace

Portland