LET me be clear from the start. The park and ride system must not be closed. However there needs to be a number of changes which should increase it's use.

The first of these is the cost. The fare must be lowered until it is competitive with the parking charges in the town centre otherwise people will not use the bus. This is especially relevant when there is more than one passenger per car. One of the better systems locally charges £2 per car with up to four passengers and their car park and buses are always quite full. This system needs to be adopted here.

The second is the stupid access arrangements to the car parks. I am sure that there are many people who live in Penhill and Queensfield (and indeed in Old Town, Croft Road and Marlborough Road) who would love the convenience of driving a short distance to the bus with their children, pushchairs etc. At the moment it is not possible for these potential users to enter the car parks. No where else have I seen such restricted access arrangements.

The third is the bus route. The system must return to having through buses between Groundwell and Wroughton. It is much more difficult to travel to Old Town or to the new library than it was. I'm sure, therefore, that a lot of people use their cars if this is where they want to go, or they don't bother. I am also sure that a lot more people drive to Nationwide now. My own observations at Groundwell lead me to believe that there are less cars parked there since the route changed.

The fourth is the less than welcoming bus stop in the town centre. Waiting for the bus in the rain does not encourage people to use it.

In any case closing the system temporarily will not result in the savings which are being stated. During such closure the facilities at both car parks will be damaged by vandalism and the cost of repairs will far exceed the savings. No, Mr Bluh, if you want to save money then cancel any council funding for the canal scheme.

KEN RISCHMILLER Retingham Way Kingsdown Park Swindon