LAST week you printed a positive Stagecoach advert telling us of the improved bus service from Okehampton to Exeter. Unfortunately it didn't give the whole story. Although it is good to have cheaper fares and evening services, we will, from February 20, be losing our early morning bus which leaves town at 6.55am taking commuters to work and students to college. We were also not told that Sunday services will stop from February 20. These services are not even covered by the consultation on bus services which Devon County Council has started this week, so there is no way of commenting on the reductions. I am not sure what steps we can take to ensure there is an adequate bus service to Exeter. It seems odd that effort is being put into reinstating a railway line to Plymouth when our current transport links to Exeter are being reduced. Barbara Childs Okehampton AGAIN, it's the pensioners and the poorest in our town who will be hit by spending cuts, if the local 318 bus service is discontinued. Those who cannot drive and rely on the local bus to get into town to shop and socialise will be unable to do so and therefore not get out. Taxi fares will hit the pockets of the poorest. Not being able to get out will make them depressed and isolated so their health could suffer. We are always being told to exercise, but the hills around Okehampton defeat even the fittest, so to some this little town bus is a lifeline. Not that those who make these decisions care as they are not affected. Their expense claims will cover the taxi fare. D F Crowley Okehampton





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