WITH reference to the two letters from Sammy M Davis and R W Johnson (Sat July 10), I am sure that the majority of pensioners in our country could afford two or three pounds each week for buses. For years they were paying more than that to travel a mile or two on our buses.

No doubt many of them can afford to spend more on fags, booze, sky television etc.

Free buses is as daft as the Labour Party introducing free entry to museums.

Unfortunately the Bournemouth council has introduced a fee of £5 for our excellent Russell Cotes museum (for a three-month trial).

Surely it would be better to charge £2 for adults and £1 for pensioners and children throughout the year. This would certainly help the insurance and cleaning costs.

The government has just announced cuts on buses for counties wanting to save on subsidies.

Mr Johnson cannot be thinking very well by saying that we get very little for our council tax (he should write to our Mayor for a list).

I am a very lucky pensioner at 78 (with only five health problems) and having a small car. My wife also enjoys using the free buses.

ALAN GERAULT, Bradpole Road, Bournemouth