WITH reference to the proposed reductions to the subsidies that make the existence of the Leominster to Ludlow 490 bus service possible.

Have they really considered the isolation, the cuts will inflict on the rural communities along its route, besides the farms which have been compelled to diversify from farming to holiday lets, in order to stay afloat.

To remove this facility will have an effect on many small businesses along the rout ie: farm bed and breakfasts, self catering and caravan sites such as the establishment at Lady Meadow Farm, at Luston, the caravan site at Bircher and further along the way the village of Orleton where we have witnessed people boarding the 490. Just to mention a few examples.

We visit this part of Herefordshire two or three times a year staying on a farm along the route, and make use of the public transport in either direction to Leominster with a connection to Hereford or north ward to the markets of Ludlow where we contribute money to the local retail businesses as we are encouraged to do.

To remove this bus service would wind back the clock some 70 years when the mode of transport was the humble bicycle.

Perhaps some revenue could be collected from those establishments and market traders who benefit from visitors who frequent the picturesque town of Ludlow. Also the car parking is some of the cheapest in the country, raising the charges might deter drivers from using their cars in favour of the bus 490 Leominster to Ludlow.

D TRAYLOR

Buckingham Orchard

Chudleigh Knighton

Plymouth