SIR — I am dismayed to learn that cutbacks from county council level have necessitated the cessation of life-line bus routes to the county town from rural villages.
I am referring in particular to the service currently run by Taunton-based Slinky Bus No 606. I know also that First's services to Taunton are affected, but it's rural areas like ours that are going to suffer extreme hardship.
I understand the policy of "use it or lose it" and I am in agreement that this makes good sense, and we the public should be prepared to accept responsibility for the continuance of our services.
I have used a weekly bus service from Roadwater to Taunton regularly almost every week since 1989.
After numerous chances, Slinky Bus took over the route in November.
I am well served by Webberbus from here to Williton or Minehead on several days a week and the drivers are all friendly and helpful.
Many local facilities are closing down, so it has become essential for a visit to Taunton at least twice a month.
I am without transport and since last December the local branch of my bank closed down, making it imperative I find my way to the main branch in Taunton for major transactions.
I have a concessionary travel pass, but I would happily return to fare paying if it meant not losing our rural services.
It is to be hoped some bus company may come forward to bail us "old 'uns" out, but I have my doubts.
I have always tried to encourage others to use what services we have so as not to lose them and when, a few years ago, I did have transport of my own, I continued to use buses every week.
Isolation seems to be the lot now of many people in my circumstances. Mobile libraries are another case in point under threat because of proposed reduction of vehicles in favour of fewer and larger ones, which cannot, of course, cope with narrow rural lanes and awkward corners.
But what do we know - we only live here!
Mrs J Hand,
Haymans Cottages,
Roadwater.