It was with dismay that I read your article on the rumoured withdrawal of the Stagecoach 24 bus service and should like to add my own comments.

With validity, attention was drawn to the commuters to Gloucester who find this service so beneficial, in cases a necessity, and I agree wholeheartedly with the protests and arguments voiced, especially so when we are being encouraged to use the buses more and get cars off the road.

I speak, however, not as a commuter but as one who has no other means of transport and who uses this service frequently. I live in Lydbrook and since March the extended route of the 24 has changed my life. It means I can now go hourly to Ross, Gloucester and even manage quite easily to visit Hereford and still be able to catch a bus back to Lydbrook. Unheard of before.

I can also join societies in Ross which I've wanted to do for years but up until now there was no bus late enough to get me home.

Like many who use this service I am elderly – with increasingly aching bones! – and if this service was withdrawn I should no longer be able to struggle up to Mireystock to catch any bus to Gloucester. My visits to my family would become rare indeed.

I have no doubt that it would not just be me but many others like me that would suffer incredibly if this service was withdrawn . I have lived very happily in Lydbrook for over 20 years and am very loathe to leave it and the life I have made here but would seriously have to consider doing so if there are more bus cuts, and especially this particular 24 service.

– Anthea Stait, Lydbrook.