I don't think any government [...].

I don't think any government would want to rock the boat by denying pensioners their free "bus travel I AM incensed when I view football on TV when these idiots bang away on drums. I have to turn the commentary sound right down! The nuisance is akin to the busker who was banned from our city by the council. I feel sure there are others who agree with me? GH.

TO JF from Heddon. Yes we all appreciate the perks we get as pensioners; unfortunately there are many who get a good handful more than others. I am one of those who worked from leaving school and because I contributed to a private pension scheme, I am excluded from housing and council tax benefits and the majority of other handouts we keep reading about on this page, although I am only a few pounds over the limit. So overall, I am probably worse off than the majority of those who have never worked in their lives but glean everything going, including free bus travel. Many pensioners will react with dismay that a minority of OAPs suggest paying bus fare when thousands signed a petition to allow free bus travel for pensioners. What sours so many people is the fact there are thousands out there have gone from school days to benefit days claiming free rent, free dentures, free central heating boilers, free kitchen equipment and just look at what is paid out to lone parents and their offspring. If JF etc, expect other pensioners to agree to paying bus fare again, or for that matter means testing the concessionary bus pass, they will all be in for a big shock.

To say anything different would be a slap in the face of common sense. MG, Washington.

TAXPAYERS' money, according to Mandelson, of pounds 500m will be given to GM if they keep Vauxhall open at Ellesmere Port and Luton.

This is not a long-term solution, and can only buy time for an industry which is over subscribed.

DM, Bensham, Gateshead.

I THINK SW of Jesmond in today's Vent Your Spleen puts the current situation on the neglect of elderly patients in hospitals (which I've seen happen) into perspective. This is a question of too many chiefs and not enough Indians.

TC, Jesmond.

TO the name and address letter supplied - there is no negative side to pensioners' travel.

If pensioners have worked all their lives and contributed to society they should all be entitled to free travel.

As for the unemployed who have to pay bus fares to attend interviews, my daughter is in that position, but she is able to claim her bus fares for going to interviews, plus she also gets free rent and her council tax paid plus free dental care and glasses.

I don't think any government would want to rock the boat by denying pensioners their free bus travel and it should certainly not be means tested.

It is one of the most popular pensioner benefits Labour has introduced.

BD, Tynemouth.

REGARDING the latest mantra about scrapping lightbulbs from the European Union. It has banned the manufacture and import of 100 watt and frosted incandescent lightbulbs have come into force.

I have made sure all the bulbs I possibly could change to energy saving bulbs in my home have been.

However, this is my choice and it is only due to me wanting to save money. Why ban the old bulbs, why not let the British public decide what they buy? Do readers not feel that we are living in a UK dictatorship, where we are not allowed choice? There are many people concerned about the medical problems associated with these lightbulbs.

AR, PELAW.

GIVE US A RING ON (0191) 201 6170 AND TELL US WHAT REALLY MAKES YOU ANGRY. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR INITIALS AND WHERE YOU LIVE.

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