Pensioners need some answers

SIR - I recently wrote about a petition for free transport, signed by 2,000 pensioners, presented to Councillor Stanley King, chairman of West Yorkshire Transport Authority, and then passed on to our MPs.

At the same time I drew attention to the removal of bus services. It doesn't take a genius to work out that without a bus, free transport doesn't exist.

I was led to believe that when we voted for MPs and councillors we were entitled to expect at least a response, if not their support.

The government repeatedly exhorts pensioners not to be isolated, get out into the community. Post offices are being closed, small shopkeepers are driven out of business, poor or no bus services, so where are they supposed to go and by what means?

Would any of our MPs and councillors please be good enough to reply because the pensioner public, of which there are 140,000 and growing, would like to know.

Remember, us today, you tomorrow!

Audrey Raistrick, Forum Focused on Pensioner Power, Westgate, Victoria Road, Bradford.

Cross subsidy

SIR - In discussing transport problems, it is not generally realised that transport is deregulated, meaning companies enjoy minimum regulation in supply of services and terms have to be negotiated with them by local authorities and other users.

Almost every week a service is withdrawn because of "lack of demand" causing great inconvenience to commuters eg the elderly lady in Greengates highlighted by Audrey Raistrick.

The main operator in West Yorkshire is First Bus who run buses and trains. In a recent six-month period it made a profit of £67 million. If we take half for buses that equals £33 million. If the local authority had that, think what it could do.

An obvious solution is "cross subsidy" with the busy routes paying for the quiet ones.

If transport was renationalised and regulated, it could provide a much wider service.

Bernard Whittaker, Scott Lane West, Riddlesden.

Mum's the word

Sir - At the meeting of the Council's Regeneration and Economy Improvement Committee at City Hall on October 5, I did indeed agree to meet Norman Littlewood and others to discuss options for the future of the Odeon.

There have been two meetings since then with Mr Littlewood and his group whose membership I left to his discretion.

We have had very useful discussions but have agreed that until they are concluded, we shall maintain 'radio silence'.

I hope this reassures Bob Watson that this important matter has not been neglected.

Maud Marshall, Chief Executive, Bradford Centre Regeneration.

Let's get tough

Sir - There has been no better example of the difference between Labour and the Conservatives on the crucial issue of crime than the proposal to change the law to give householders far more protection when confronting burglars in their own homes.

While a Conservative MP has put forward a bill to put the law firmly on the side of the householder, Labour's law chief, the Attorney General, has opposed this bill, stating that we should not forget that burglars have rights.

What chance have we got of sorting out violent crime, which has gone up by 83 per cent since Labour came to power, when the Government's starting point is to protect the rights of burglars?

Tony Blair is flip-flopping on this issue not knowing what to do; so much for "tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime".

What we need is tough action, not tough sounding sound bites, to tackle violent crime which is escalating out of control.

Philip Davies, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate (Shipley), Hartlington Court, Baildon.

The real reason

SIR - I recently visited Carlisle where I was delighted to see the real reason for Christmas on display with giant-sized nativity scenes in the city square - the real reason we celebrate the birth of Jesus.

But back here in Yorkshire, nothing. It's not PC is it?

Susan Bannon, Glynn Terrace, Thornton Road, Bradford.