AGE Concern York charity supports the views of those people likely to be affected by the idea to re-route the umber 4 bus service, and urge First commercial director Peter Edwards to reconsider 'Appeal for bus route U-turn', August 13).

A significant number of people are at risk of inconvenience should the proposals go ahead. Of this number, several will be elderly people who have come to have to rely on a bus passing near their home so they can go about their business, do shopping, visit family and friends, attend their doctor's/hospital etc, that is to remain part of society.

Removal of such facility would lead, in some cases, to isolation and loss of independence. A reduced frequency service possibly using smaller bodied buses, as with service 26, would be preferable to complete withdrawal.

I sympathise with the objectors. I rely very much on having a bus route close to where I live. I find it difficult to walk more than 100 yards, and am sure that were the service I rely on be re-routed I too would have great difficulty in getting out and about.

J Mortimer,

Chair,

Age Concern York,

Walmgate,

York.

Updated: 12:10 Monday, August 22, 2005