I WOULD not be surprised if the threat to take off the 74 bus is a show of strength designed to hold the council to ransom.

Stagecoach has always made huge profits and its executives are very well paid.

If they can't make the 74 pay (they do not operate it evenings or Sundays) they can't be a competent company.

Bus companies can claim back fuel tax and the council maintains bus stops and shelters.

They take over or put out of business any rivals in profitable areas to create a monopoly while abandoning less profitable areas such as the Wye Valley.

The council finance would only go to increase their profits.

Such services as village shops, taxis and milk rounds receive no subsidies and have to be efficient and attractive or close.

I do not see why buses should be financed on routes that are potentially busy but I suspect this is merely a ploy to frighten the council into coming up with money to maintain their profit margins.

Others operators will no doubt be queuing up to take those services over.

– A Pritchett, Chepstow.