In recent months , Councils , Local Authorities are tightening their belts  and  reducing 'costs'.  The country , it seems, hasn't enough resources to spend  on  'services'  and 'support'  any longer. These  facts  are fairly well-known and  indeed  most citizens do understand this and are trying their best to be 'accommodative'.   Inflation is beginning to rise , investment-interests are abysmally  low . utilities are becoming more and more expensive  ; I only mention  a  few  which  affect the pensioners  in  particular.  Steady reduction in the prices of  electronic gadgets ( thanks  to Chinese imports)  doesn't really  matter  to older  people in general.<p>

Public  transport in the country , although not superb,  mostly  provides for the elderly.  With  the bus  pass or  senior rail card, they get a reasonable deal  and  use them  on a regular basis. <p>

In this context , it should be borne in mind , that going out and about and mixing with people , do help  both the physical and psychological health of the elderly.  House bound  older individuals , especially living alone, deteriorate  quickly  and   may  'lose the will to live'  .  This is why various charities offer  home visits and 'good-neighbour' support to many, where it is feasible.  Many  others  residing in the country, do travel  to meet with friends , attend  social events, pensioners' luncheon   etc  AND  MOST OF THEM USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT !    And despite all its shortfalls and inadequacies , it still remains a very essential and useful service. <p>

What  unfortunately is beginning to happen now , is,   many councils  are withdrawing  such  rural  transports.  Many routes are being closed down  without any other provisions.    Country  residents  , with  their own private transport are okay , but the old is suffering.....

It is important that our  'authorities' do appreciate this  and accepts  rural bus service as  essential to many ;  absence of which will actually  'increase' cost  at a different area.  Indeed it is NOT just a Bolton issue - but everyone must  understand the implications of such cuts .  The young mothers with children but without a car are also  in a similar situation  - it  is  general 'social'  problem.