On January 20, the quality of life in Crossways, Broadmayne and West Knighton will take a significant downward turn as the one and only bus service ends.

In 2008 our national government felt so strongly in support of rural populations that legislation was passed to introduce the free bus pass for older and disabled people.

The benefits were for health and well being for the rural population, to avoid congestion and pollution in towns, and to help the towns and villages to remain vibrant.

Sadly those in our own council with the powers to support the bus service do not feel the same.

The number 5 bus today is popular and busy for people accessing the town for all the facilities that a village doesn’t provide, including getting to work for quite a few of us.

The problem, of course, is money - although not that much - £21,000 per annum was the figure suggested at the Broadmayne Parish Council meeting last night, and the alternatives ‘Dial a bus’ or ‘Community Bus’ (which are not at all the same) can’t be without cost.

The irony is that the bus users, of which there are lots, are willing to pay and for those of us that already pay, pay more. Please council: Sort this out.

KAREN HOGBEN
Broadmayne