Sir – I have sympathy for A. Evans, and other residents of Dean Court, who have lost their 4C bus service (Letters, January 23).

The 4 series of buses also serve Wood Farm and, from last Sunday, part of the estate is being bypassed by these. The reason given is obstructive parking in Titup Hall Drive and I hope that those who have caused it will examine their consciences.

The effect will be marginal for those with good mobility in Wood Farm but not for those whose mobility is less good, or those who live between Wood Farm and Headington, for whom it’s the nearest service.

Where I don’t agree with A. Evans is on the value of cross-city services. The bus companies have stated that these are subject to delays and have ended some of them.

The 4 series is not a timely service in Wood Farm and the reason is obvious — the delays caused by the notoriously congested Botley Road on the other side of the city. Why would East Oxford and Wood Farm people be affected by this?

If the Oxford Bus Company had competition on the Wood Farm route, I’m sure that the two legs would be separated. Even if you want to travel between the eastern and western suburbs of Oxford, the delays on the 4 service mean that you’re probably as well off if you change buses in the city centre.

Roger Jenking, Headington