ONCE again the disadvantaged are being hit when Yellow Buses axe their service from Kinson, West Howe and East Howe, to Castlepoint and Royal Bournemouth Hospital on April 8.

Bournemouth Echo reporter Faith Eckersall reported (1st Feb. 2018) on the findings of 'The End Child Poverty Coalition', a campaign group of more than 100 organisations from children's charities, child welfare etc, who published details for every council ward in the UK.

In Kinson North 32% of its children, more than 650 individuals, were living in poverty.

Having previously been a volunteer with a local children's charity, I know how difficult it was for some families to take an ailing child to Royal Bournemouth Hospital on a direct bus route; never mind changing buses with perhaps other siblings and a pushchair, plus the financial cost of two buses for families on benefits.

For pensioners, yes we may have free bus passes, but our infirmities and possibly bowel or bladder problems, mean we dread doing a journey involving two buses.

When my husband attends an ophthalmic appointment, the drops used for tests means he can't drive, using the bus is necessary.

Often a hospital instruction requests an earlier attendance to allow for tests before being seen.

It is appalling to think that this decision by Yellow Buses will force the frail and elderly to endure longer journeys to their hospital appointments.

While some folk may be able to afford a taxi to enable them to get there in comfort and good time, there are many whose finances won't run to that.

Why not keep an hourly direct service to enable young families and the elderly of Kinson, West Howe and East Howe to be able to travel on a single journey to their local hospital?

Not everyone owns cars and if relatives have to take their family member to hospital, it will have a knock on effect - more cars on the road, more parking spaces taken at the hospital, and even absences from work for the relative.

I hope the managing director of Yellow Buses Mr David Squire will think again and find a better solution for all concerned.

MADELAINE SIMPSON

Bramley Road, Kinson