For or against..? Your Say.

THERE has been a lot of speculation on these pages about the possible scrapping of free at the point of use over-60s bus passes (Just Not Fare, 21.08.09) but I have not heard anyone from the Labour, Conservative or Liberal Democrat parties on Middlesbrough Council say they support the withdrawal or means-testing of concession bus travel for the over-60s and the registered disabled.

The best way to resolve this uncertainty is to ask all prospective MPs standing throughout Teesside in next year's General Election to state in writing to the Evening Gazette whether they are for or against the existing free bus passes without means-testing.

KEN WALKER, Independent councillor for Gresham ward, Middlesbrough * * * * * * AS I understand it, the decision has already been made, whoever is in power, to make the free bus pass income-related from 2013.

I suggest that when the time comes everyone who holds a pass should make a claim, even thought they know they will not qualify. This way, the local authority will be so bogged down with the volume of claims they will have to think again.

We must exercise our "grey" power.

GUISBOROUGH RESIDENT * * * * * * I THINK the bus passes should have been left as before when I paid pounds 5 a year then 30p every time I travel. I am sure a lot of people would feel better, I would feel better.

BILLINGHAM RESIDENT * * * * * * I AGREE with P Homer of Stockton (Hands Off Our Bus Passes, 20.08.09).

All OAPs should d write a protest letter to their councillor.

PENSIONER, Teesside