BUS passes, as well as helping with mobility, are cost effective and a help to the economy. Before their introduction, retired persons would go into town once or twice a week for mainly food shopping, now more journeys are undertaken. Purchases are made that attract VAT, which usually covers the cost of the bus fare. Bus companies are able to invest in new stock and bus shelters.

Additional to this, businesses attract passing trade, allowing them to develop. We should welcome visitors. The amount of VAT that they pay helps the area to flourish. It would be useful if perhaps councillors could make more effort to claim back this VAT from central funds, using the money gained to subsidise bus routes and prevent cuts during months when there are few holidaymakers in the area.

COLIN JOHNSON

Park Road, Poole