Brian Fisher (Oxford Mail, March 1) draws attention to the manner in which the Vale of White Horse District Council proposes to reduce the validity of pensioners' bus passes.

Cherwell District Council has also taken advantage of the introduction of a national scheme to reduce the period of validity to run from 9.30am to 11pm.

Previously passes were available from 9am until the last bus.

The national scheme sets a minimum standard, but it does not stipulate an obligatory 9.30am starting time.

Oxford City, South Oxfordshire and West Oxfordshire have all opted for 9am.

What this appears to show is that some district councils are more mean-minded than others.

CHRIS ROBINS (Councillor) Foxdown Close Kidlington