IN reply to recent letters, does this help?  A few months ago I lobbied for seating for the newly refurbished bus station and Forest Community Transport base run now by Dial-a-Ride, hereafter known as the transport "hub".   

After a great team effort by Lena Maller, community engagement at Forest of Dean District Council, Clive Elsmore, Independent councillor Coleford and Transport Champion, Kate Baugh Gloucestershire Rural Community Council, Louise Curry of Dial-a-Ride and Jonathan Roberts of Gloucestershire County Council, funding was identified to provide bench seating and it will be installed shortly. This is proof that joined up thinking and a co-operative approach can work.

I am not an expert  but I know that Dial-a-Ride offers community bus routes – 701 738 and 784, the fares are reasonable at around £2.50 single and £4 returns and five-16 year olds £1 to £1.50. Concessionary Bus Passes are accepted. Dial-a-Ride volunteer drivers still operate a magnificent service that is not just aimed at people with disabilities but have a much broader remit.  It is not means tested. It covers Newent to Lydney and beyond.

The annual subscription is very modest.  The mini-buses are in demand and much used. They are adapted for wheelchair users and reach the parts of the Forest that most commercial bus routes cannot cover.

Each town has a transport hub and Lydney still needs a central accessible bus station. I cannot think of anywhere else in the town that could facilitate double deckers from Stagecoach, school buses plus commercial coaches.  The waiting room was originally mentioned in documents but unfortunately not provided ­– ditto a loo. However there are a few seats inside the shop. I agree this is not the solution we wanted.

Yes the bus station is a hybrid but it is looking a 100 per cent better and more fitting as a gateway to Lydney. With the heralded arrival of brand new buses we have achieved a positive result. The people were listened to.

Regarding regeneration of Lydney Town I can remember going to meetings on this around 15 years ago and joining in think tanks. I am no politician and neither am I a tank driver I attended as a community member.   

We were all asked to suggest ideas and proposals.  It appears the thinking is still continuing . Let's hope some pragmatic solutions and actions will appear soon without the aid of any tanks or shots being fired across the town hall and any lurking supermarkets.

There are some excellent businesses in Lydney all working hard to prosper, I am sure the town will continue to thrive with our support.

– Sue Dubois, Better Buses for the Dean.