HERE we go again. More over-the-top bleatings about the Osbaldwick bus service (Evening Press, July 28).

I could appreciate Mr Waters' concern if he lived anywhere near where the buses pass. But Yew Tree Mews must be at least 30 yards from the road.

Most of the houses on Murton Way stand well back from the road in comparison with the houses in Tranby Avenue (which is also part of Osbaldwick and where the buses also run) which are, mainly, only 31ft from the edge of the road.

The buses do not speed through the village and the drivers have concern for the safety of other road-users and residents, and only mount the verges to avoid damaging other vehicles which are inconsiderately parked. To introduce smaller buses on residential routes would mean even more buses to cope with more passengers.

C Wileman,

Tranby Avenue,

Osbaldwick, York.

...A CAN of worms has been opened with bus services.

My husband and I, like Dr Ward (Letters, July 19), had to wait 90 minutes at the railway station for a number 11 - the service mentioned by P Witlea (July 28). We agree this service is erratic.

He has the problem at Bishopthorpe and we have it at Ashley Park. Standing at the station watching other buses pass is no pleasure at all.

During our long wait we were kindly helped by the driver of another service number getting ringing to find out where the number 11 had vanished. We were grateful and hope he reads this and remembers the date - June 21.

Then we had a choice of two service 11 buses - both arriving together. It is a case of "pot luck" with this service.

Mrs Frank,

Ashley Park Crescent, York.

...David Potter and R. Morris should move to Clifton Moor or Osbaldwick, because the number six route is an excellent service. Buses, generally, manage to keep to the allotted one every ten minutes and if they don't it's because the traffic is appalling. I have had very few bad journeys recently.

Mr Morris's "missing bus" could have failed to show for many reasons, not necessarily because First took a bus off the 16's rather than the one, four or six. First may still be having problems keeping staff. Perhaps they should give the drivers the £8 an hour they deserve. Without drivers we would not have these vital public transport links.

They are a resource the city cannot afford to lose.

Dr Richard Greaves.

Morehall Close, York.

Updated: 11:09 Wednesday, August 06, 2003