IT seems that plans to build 540 dwellings in Osbaldwick represent a further opportunity for a number of residents to complain about the frequency of buses operating via the village (May 17).

As the operator of the Service 6 and having been in consultation with both City of York Council and the developers, the plans for the estate are based around residents having access to good frequent public transport so that they are not dependent on their cars.

This would seem to offer the best chance of not causing the congestion that the objectors fear.

Mr Starzynski's objections to the bus service are well known. We know that the buses aren't full by the time they and arrive and depart from Osbaldwick - if they were there would not be space for all the other people getting on and off the service between there and the city.

What we offer everybody living on that route is access to a good, simple bus service that is attractive by virtue of its high frequency.

This is borne out by the 35 per cent increase in patronage we have seen on service 6 in the last year, and judging by the calls I have received from Osbaldwick residents supporting what we do, objections to the bus service are by no means as widespread as the protesters would have us believe.

We are naturally inclined to support our customers and to agree to any reduction in the number of buses serving Osbaldwick is tantamount to allowing the protesters to dictate just how often those who need (or increasingly choose) to use the bus are allowed to travel.

Peter Edwards,

Commercial manager,

First York Ltd,

James Street,

York.

Updated: 10:07 Wednesday, May 19, 2004