THE rain lashed down, driven by a strong North Westerly.

We huddled against a broken down wall, which once surrounded an adjacent building, also semi-demolished.

Distant gunfire could be heard, carried on the wind. The promised transport hadn't arrived and was now too late, it was doubtful it ever would.

Despair was etched on faces, unsure of one's fate.

Am I reporting from war-torn Syria? No!

We are six elderly people waiting for the No 23 bus at the bottom of Bream Road in Lydney.

We have been treated as less than animals for over 18 months and it's disgraceful.

When will the authorities act? When will they construct a lay-by for the bus to pull into to allow us to board and alight safely? When will a shelter be erected to allow us to take refuge from the inclement weather??When will a timetable be displayed on site together with a bus-stop sign?

The authorities responsible are fully aware of the situation. They appear to consider themselves as the hierarchy looking down on the hoi-poloi.

Correction! They are public servants and we are the public they serve. So may I politely request they get organised.

The Bream Road – Hill Street – High Street junction is potentially the most dangerous in the county. Bream Road has become the gateway to the Forest of Dean and isn't fit for purpose.

Don't take my word for it. Stand there and watch for 10 minutes. Ask the owner of Inspirations, who regularly gets his shop buffeted by juggernauts I think the shops facia is hanging off at the moment!

– Hugh Griffith, Greenways, Lydney.