THE original proposals of the new bus service clearly show the number 12 from Woodthorpe and Acomb Park to Haxby going via Stonebow, Peasholme Green and Monkgate.

However, the recently-issued map suggests the No 12 service has been changed to run via Museum Street, St Leonard's Place and Gillygate, presumably to include the District Hospital.

But this route by-passes The Stonebow and Pavement, effectively withdrawing all direct bus services from Acomb Park and Woodthorpe to the central shopping area.

This will result in residents having to use their cars unless they are able to walk from Stonebow/Pavement to the bus stop at Station Road or the Theatre Royal, Bootham.

The revised route, as it stands, will inevitably result in inconvenience and increased car usage.

The problem could easily be solved if the number 12 bus retains the originally proposed route via The Stonebow and then continues via Monkgate and Lord Mayor's Walk and Clarence Street. Routing via congested Gillygate is likely to cause delays.

J W Hield,

Ashbourne Place, York.

Updated: 10:12 Monday, September 10, 2001