In response to the article, (Oxford Mail, March 5, p.8) I have a great deal of sympathy with the people of Blackbird Leys when they request a direct bus service to the JR.

While the more affluent areas of the city and beyond have direct links, large areas of the south-east of the city, Rose Hill, Littlemore and Blackbird Leys, are denied it. Ironically, as the super output data shows, those living in the south-east of Oxford are the most needy, with a lower life expectancy and more social health problems.

I myself have campaigned for a service linking Rose Hill, Littlemore and the Leys with the hospitals. Those with mobility problems will not change buses and instead take taxis they can perhaps ill afford. A bus linking Rose Hill, Littlemore and the Leys with the hospitals would not only allow patients easy access but enable people to visit family and friends in hospital.

It could also allow much-needed work opportunities. A route could start at Redbridge and, if the proposed bus link from Northway to an extended Barton is built, it could go right through to Barton. This would provide the eastern orbital bus link already identified in the Core Strategy as a future goal.

Lastly, my opposition to a new pool at Blackbird Leys is well known, but if the pool is built then this route could provide a bus link to the new pool from Rose Hill and Littlemore, which at present does not exist.

PETER WILKINSON, Liberal Democrat Candidate, Rose Hill and Iffley Ward