SIR — The latest proposal by Somerset County Council to withdraw the subsidy for the 106 bus between Minehead, Blue Anchor, Watchet and Doniford, plus the Minehead town service (Free Press November 15) will very badly affect local people, particularly pensioners and the disabled on low incomes as well as those relying on these services to get to their work, school, college or hospital etc.  

For people who have no access to personal transport, these services are vital. 

At a time when the elderly are being encourage to remain independent both for their health and to relieve pressure on social services, this is a retrograde measure. 

Bus transport also reduces traffic congestion on our narrow roads, wear on road surfaces and helps to keep down road accidents.

The government says every effort should be made to reduce the use of fossil fuels, and travel by public transport is more efficient in this respect than is the use of private cars. 

Connections between West Somerset and the rest of the county are poor.

Narrow twisting roads discourage businesses that employ large amounts of labour, so jobs are scarce, yet plans are envisaged to increase the population - this will exacerbate the problem of unemployment and road congestion, particularly with the reduction of affordable public transport.          

The provision of bus services should not be looked at in isolation but should be considered in relation to the effect on the community at large.

Roger Wedlake,

Wristland Road,

Watchet.