RECENTLY the 194 circular bus, which used to run from St Helens to Prescot then through Rainhill and back to St Helens, via Sutton Manor has now not only been re-numbered, but also had its route changed so as to not come through Sutton Manor any more.

Whoever has been responsible for this change has not had any consideration for the many elderly people in Sutton Manor. Many of these people do not have any transport of their own and rely on public transport.

This bus service was a god-send to old people going out of town through Sutton Manor. It was a direct link with Whiston Hospital for visiting. And coming into town via Sutton Manor meant you could be in town in about seven or eight minutes on this bus, other local bus services take about 40 minutes or more. To get to Whiston Hospital now you have to get a bus into town, and another to Whiston, which takes three or four times as long.

I don't know why this change was made but my guess is it's to do with money. Maybe the new route via Eltonhead Road and the new railway station will pick up more fares?

But I feel it's time the older people in our area were given a little more consideration, most of them have worked hard all their lives and are now not getting the consideration they truly deserve.

Mr Hassall, Walkers Lane, Sutton Manor.