With reference to your article “Society undervalues retired population” – this is so very true.

I am a retired nurse and now a volunteer at Age Concern and M.I.N.D in Stevenage. In the Old Town area where I live, there are many retired people, most living in sheltered housing.

Our bus (no 10) runs from 09.15 to 3 pm, never on Sunday or Bank Holiday. It did run until 5pm weekdays, but was cut to 3pm because it was under-used through the bad weather last winter.

Now they are taking it off on Saturdays so people with walking aids, severe arthritis, recent knee and hip operations cannot walk to the nearest bus stop which is almost one mile away.

When we have two bank holidays together, e.g. Friday and Monday, people are forced to remain indoors for four days. I spoke to a bus inspector about this, he said “Quote” – Nothing to do with us, and it’s the council”.

I wrote to the leader of the council, Sharon Taylor, she said “Quote” “Nothing to do with the council, it’s the buses.

I have written to the mayor of Stevenage and have not heard anything yet, she may be doing her own investigations.

Last Monday, I was on duty at Age Concern, an elderly lady (88 yrs) came in weeping, the bus driver told her they will all be pleased when the bus passes are finished, then he asked her if she thought the bus was for her benefit only as she had used it for four days consecutive. This is typical of how the elderly are treated.

We are dispensable, unwanted, in the way. And it is shameful.  

Elizabeth Murrell
Stevenage