Many people have spoken or contacted me regarding rumours that the A48 route 23 is going to be withdrawn.

I contacted Craig Lockley, commercial director at Stagecoach Buses and he's kindly confirmed this service will still run with slight changes as from March 4, 2012.

Timetables appear to be little different ie: the early bus leaves Lydney 6.38 am, Newnham at 6.55am, arrives Gloucester 7.25am.

First bus Newnham 8.15am arriving Lydney 8.32am, Coleford Square 9.02am. Last bus back from Coleford 17.27 arriving Gloucester 18.40pm.

The Sunday service is improved.

So although we will still be forced to endure the dying gasps of the valiant buses that cannot get into gear, their old engines overheating, giving up on hills etc. we still have these vintage vehicles. We must celebrate when they do turn up at all as they are all we have in the Forest.

I wish the Forest of Dean District Council's newly elected 'Transport Champion' luck and look forward to seeing him/her on the buses. Bring your spanner and a survival kit.

– Sue Dubois, Newnham (Better Buses for the Dean).