Sir,

I can understand the concern of Tenby Town Council regarding the withdrawal of the 361 bus service, and the previous demise of the Tenby Town Service. But who will be showing similar concern on behalf of all the communities along the Tenby to Pembroke Dock route which will now be totally removed from any form of public transport.

It has to be accepted that the 361 has been continuously underused for years, as is the case with the majority of rural services. There are, of course, many well recorded reasons, principally the fact that most people have the use of their own cars. Much more convenient all round. Even ‘free’ bus passes have not had a major influence.

Sooner or later the time comes when self-driving is no longer tenable. Physical handicaps, deteriorating eyesight and so on. What happens then? Without the kindly help of friends and neighbours, or having capable relatives nearby, there can be a feeling of complete isolation and loneliness. The alternative is to turn to services such as Country Cars and Hospital Cars, which have to be booked ahead, or the use of taxis. That can be very expensive!

Let us hope that some compromise can be reached before the residents of so many of the South Pembs villages are cut off from the towns and we have to resort to on-line shopping.

David Gwynn,

Sageston.