Is this the thin edge of the wedge? The news that Wiltshire is considering restricting the use of bus passes until 9.30am is not good – especially as their complete withdrawal is always a threat. Councillor Chivers is correct in his comments that not only will this create difficulties for senior citizens, but there are many users of varying ages who rely so much on this for work, college and early hospital appointments. Also has the council really done its maths? Those of us who can delay travel until after 9.30am will still cost the council, and the knock-on effect will be more crowded early buses, certainly a great inconvenience where there may be only standing room for those not so able- bodied.

It can only be hoped that in this case the words ‘public consultation’ really mean what they say. So often councils have already made up their minds, and at the end of the day officers put forward a recommendation that is duly voted on and passed by the party in power. There are still many of of us who have paid income tax since we were 14 or 15 years old. We are still paying, along with council tax and Wiltshire Council would do well to be reminded that everyone matters.

Stanley H Jones, Horse Road, Hilperton Marsh.