Simon Howes, of Victoria Road, Dartmouth, writes:

I am writing because I have been party to conversations with many people aggrieved by the re-routing of the X81 and 93 buses . I regularly use these bus services in Dartmouth as I don't drive. I am very inconvenienced by the changes as are my neighbours.

The consequences of the changes to the bus services in Dartmouth town centre means that the community now has either to get a bus or walk into town simply to connect with the X81 and 93. It seems so very odd to have the town's major bus route circumvent the town centre. Significantly, there are eight major bus stops on the main road through the town now not served by these major bus services.

I spoke to my neighbour last week, as she waited in the rain for the number 90 bus. She was going up to the Sainsburys store with her shopping trolley. She's 80 and her husband is infirm. She used to be able to get a bus directly but now can get as only as far as the last stop of the No. 90 service and walk the rest of the way. On the way home, despite the X81 and 93 stopping outside of the Sainsburys store, she now has to walk right back down to connect with the 90 to take her and her shopping to her home in Victoria Road, else she has to catch two buses or front the cost of a taxi. Try it yourself; it's not easy to carry shopping that distance. She said that the new route is taking away her independence as she and her husband can no longer get to the top of the town and she is increasingly relying on others to either do her shopping or to take her. She finds this depressing.

The issue is not simply either one of age. People with mobility issues and parents with children in buggies, or walking, are restricted in their ability to get to the top of town and visa versa. This issue is clearly voiced by all using the bus service which, I am sure, all of you that supported this decision will be aware of – should you have occasion to use our bus services.

The town is a small one and a hilly one. People already have to walk some distance up and down steep roads and steps to access the 90 bus before they progress further. By rerouting the X81 and 93 out of the accessible routes of the town you have further reduced people's ability and freedoms to travel.

I'm not clear how inclusive the public consultation was or how the decision to re-route the services was arrived at but it has done nothing to improve the quality of life for of people living in town by disconnecting them from access to valuable and important facilities. Those who serve the community should heed this.

I live in Victoria Road and have no recollection of being consulted on the change of route nor, more importantly, have I experienced any problems with the X81 or 93 passing my house. I understand that the original issue was cited as one of 'privacy'. Of course, this is absurd as all traffic, large or small, passes by our houses; that's the very nature of public transport; it routes where it's needed. I also understand that there was a concern about buses mounting the kerbs. That, of course, is a matter for the provider in ensuring the competency of the drivers for the routes served but might I suggest that the bus company is also approached as to the appropriateness of the size of the buses; this would help.

The decision is inconvenient and disruptive. I can't see how anyone would support a decision that works against the needs of its community. This decision should be reversed and I'm hopeful that it will be.

Finally, noting that Dee Nutt represents the Dartmouth Caring – Public Transport Group, I am copying her in to this communication since she will understand the very negative impact of the decision to re-route the bus services has had on the elderly, infirm and general community of Dartmouth. I am certain that she will endorse and support the re-introduction of these services as on review, all councillors should do too.