I, LIKE many others have been waiting for a response from Eastleigh Borough Councillors why they do not support keeping travel tokens for the elderly and disabled who are unable to access public transport.

The silence is deafening!!!

The executive member for transport Cllr David Airey says so many are getting the bus pass, travel tokens are a thing of the past. Tell that to the 3831 who have received travel tokens this year which is their only means of financial help to get to surgeries, hospitals and other medical appointments.

I have obtained financial figures from Eastleigh Borough Council regarding the cost of travel for the over 60's for 2007/8 bearing in mind the government has instructed all councils to provide free bus travel.

The Revenue Support Grant to EBC increased this year by £168,760 to £7,589,240 from 2007/8 and the figures quoted are from that year.

Bus Operators, received £967,000 and are appealing for more, and with 16,102 applicants this is equal to £60 per recipient.

Train Operators received £23,000 for the exchange of travel tokens for the senior citizens rail card with a total of 724 applied for.

Community Funding.(One Community) £20,000 for the use of bus passes (not acceptable on hospital appointments) £100,000 to HCC Dial-a-Ride which includes £8,000 towards community transport the County does not fund.

Hospital transport is a subsidized service receives £24,000 and takes travel tokens.

Cost of tokens in 2008/9 based on issues as at September 2008 which have now ceased was £170,000.

The councillors can either be Father Christmas by staying with the travel tokens or Mr. Scrooge.

Please give all recipients of travel tokens an early christmas surprise because they are worth it?

Bill Pepper, Hamble.