RETIREMENT should be a time for people to enjoy hobbies, see family and friends regularly and get out and about after years of work.

But for far too many it can lead to social isolation, especially amongst those in more rural communities.

According to a new Age UK report, around 1.2million people over the age of 50 are considered as living in isolation. And it suggests that by 2028 this figure will have leapt by 185 per cent because of cuts to public transport, healthcare and other local amenities.

Already around 35 per cent of pensioners in the countryside do not have their own vehicles. And with bus services irregular or non-existent this means they can become trapped at home and face real problems doing simple things like shopping or visiting the doctor.

Thankfully in East Lancashire we have several very good schemes aimed at helping people make the most of their retirement. The Little Green Bus in Ribble Valley works like a dial-a-ride service making sure pensioners meet up with friends as well as keep everyday appointments.

And the Communi-Cars service run by Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale CV also provides a means of travel for those in the most far-flung areas.

The Government and local councils must now ensure these vital services do not lose funding when new cuts are announced. In fact, with the growing number of people forecast to use these services, wouldn’t it be great if they could get some much needed investment now?