I WAS distressed to read the comments of Councillor Alan Cottam on what he regards as a massive misuse of the free buses passes by over 60s.

As one who has fought in the House of Lords and in other places for this privilege I feel that Coun Cottam has misunderstood the purpose of the passes.

People are living longer and therefore a greater part of their lives are being spent on a limited income.

Opportunities for leisure pursuits are greatly restricted at a time when they finally have lots of time available.

Free bus passes were intended to address this unhappy equation and to give pensioners an opportunity to enrich their lives. They allow people to visit friends and relatives, to take advantage of amenities provided by local authorities and to visit places further afield, most of which they were previously unable to do due to lack of funds.

It is good to see elderly people making full use of their passes.

Here on the Fylde Coast, people travel from Fleetwood to Cleveleys, Blackpool, Lancaster, Knott End and many other places. This is exactly what this partnership between Government and local Government intended. If there are issues regarding the financing of the scheme, discussion should be held between the local authorities and the Treasury.

I hope that elderly people continue to enjoy their free bus passes for many years to come.

TAYLOR OF BLACKBURN, Freeman of the Borough of Blackburn.