I’M writing to invite all readers, old and young, to sign the Love the Bus Pass petition, and help the campaign reach 100,000 signatures by the end of August (currently we’re on 44,950).

They’ll be delivered to Downing Street on September 10, when we will also lobby MPs.

The petition is the first major step on the way for this non-partisan campaign, which aims to get all major parties contesting the General Election to pledge to retain the England bus pass as a universal entitlement free at the point of use.

The huge community, family, economic, health and well-being benefits of the pass to society are at risk; politicians of all parties need to understand that they attack the bus pass at their electoral peril.

Readers can request petition forms and information by phone (01922 641084), by email (richardvworrall@yahoo.com) or by post (46 Winn House, Burrowes Street, Walsall WS1 8NW).

Richard Worrall, Love the Bus Pass Campaign Co-ordinator