Sir.-I read in disbelief that Stagecoach are going to curtail the number five bus route, and that it will no longer go to the hospital.

As we live in Oakridge we have spoken to a number of people about this and they are absolutely disgusted.

Our alternative to get to the hospital is to go into town and then get another bus to the hospital, adding extra cost and time to our journey.

A representative from Stagecoach told us that the route was losing money. On one occasion, returning from the hospital, the ticket machine was not working, so the driver was unable to take any fares. I have been told by other people that it has also happened to them. Is this affecting the figures?

So far, this year, my wife and myself have used the number five service 12 times to the hospital and back.

There were other people visiting and returning from the hospital at the same time.

Apart from patients, there are visitors, nurses and other hospital staff who rely on this service.

We need this service for the residents of South View, Oakridge and Popley.

Don't treat us like the poor relations of Basingstoke.

The number five service is our life line for better health.

-J and J Cook, Coleman Close, Basingstoke.

Sir.-Would someone please explain why a large village like Old Basing has such a poor bus service?

One bus an hour is not good enough, especially in the busy times of the day, ie early mornings and late afternoons.

I have seen that the number eight bus to Oakley runs every 30 minutes. Why can't this service be extended to the number eight bus to Old Basing?

People who need to catch the 7.55am from Old Basing are often left behind because the bus has become so crowded.

I would welcome some answers to my letter.

-J P Pink, Belle Vue Road, Old Basing, Basingstoke.