Sir – The Dial-a-Ride service in Oxford has been a lifeline for elderly and disabled people, taking them shopping, to visit friends and clubs and to make other trips that other people take for granted.

Two minibuses have been working flat out to try to meet demand and even so, it has not been possible for all requests for transport to be met.

You report (March 15) that the county council is only able to provide one bus for each district from April. This is very bad news for those who have been using the buses as well as those who would like to be able to.

Oxford City Council has been funding the second bus for some years, at a cost of about £60,000 but the Labour administration has decided not to continue this support.

Their budget for next year has over £1m of new expenditure and it is very hard to understand why they do not see this transport provision for the elderly as a priority.

With demographic change, more of us living longer, the need for this service will only increase.

This decision needs to be reviewed and reversed. Being able to get out and meet people is very important for everyone, particularly the elderly who risk isolation and even depression if unable to do so.

Jean Fooks, Liberal Democrat Oxford City councillor for Summertown Ward and Oxfordshire County Councillor for Summertown and Wolvercote Division