I REFER to the proposed withdrawal of bus service No 20.

We are already suffering the effects of so many cuts in services for the elderly, but this would be the unkindest cut of all for me and many more like me.

It would leave us virtually housebound. Those who can walk to the shop at Tesco on Poole Road can get there from Lindsay Road, but many are not capable, myself included.

I have a heart condition and I am not able to walk far. I rely on the No 20 bus service to get me to the surgery, the Westbourne shops, the library and the Tenovus shop in Westbourne, where I am a volunteer – in short all the things that make my life bearable.

Many people of my age say the same. Perhaps young active people in the Town Hall do not fully realise just what they are depriving us of.

Do they not feel they have a duty of care to their elderly and vulnerable residents?

I am sure others are or will be campaigning. I picked up a form on the bus on Saturday. I told the driver I was writing a letter - he urged me to do so and there was a chorus of support from all the older people on the bus. As residents, we are considering contacting our councillor and/or our MP.

There is a constant stream of buses on Poole Road. Is it too much to ask just to have one on Lindsay Road, where so many elderly people live?

MARY BISH,
Lindsay Road,
Poole