With regards to Coun Alan Cottam’s comments on the Pennine Reach and his outspoken remarks on senior citizens being allowed to use their free bus passes a maximum of three times per week.

This is typical of the arrogance and a “let them eat cake” attitude towards our citizens, that seems to prevail in the party Coun Cottam purports to represent.

Coun Cottam’s fellow Tory, London Mayor Boris Johnson, has just introduced freetravel within Greater London for war veterans, and I don't see any limitations to three times a week for these heroes in our society, who put their lives on the line for this country.

Free movement around the capital or around the country is the least we can offer to these dedicated senior citizens and war veterans whom, generally speaking, worked and fought hard to ensure our continued liberty and prosperity.

At a time when our older citizens now outnumber the younger ones, and in light of recent reports which show an ever increasing isolation and loneliness amongst elderly people, a free bus pass is vital to some, to maintain links with family and friends, and the outside world.

So, Coun Cottam, climb down from upon high, and re-enter the real world of wards like Shadsworth with Whitebirk, for whom the free bus pass is essential for getting out and about, when only half my constituents have private transport.

Coun Jim Shorrock, Shadsworth with Whitebirk Ward Councillor, Oban Drive, Blackburn.