Sir – On October 14, you published my letter about the county council’s plan to abolish travel tokens, which some 11,000 elderly and disabled people have in Cherwell and West Oxfordshire districts.

This proposal went before the county’s cabinet on November 16 and they agreed to send it and a plan for disabled people to pay cash for ‘Dial-a-Ride’ trips, out for so-called consultation to all 11,000 people.

I was there and I pointed out to the councillors that this consultation was a waste of taxpayers’ money as obviously the vast majority of those who replied would say they did not agree with these plans. I added that whatever the result, the consultation would probably not affect their decision.

But my main point was that both proposals amounted to discrimination against the disabled. What is the use of a bus pass to a disabled person who cannot walk as far as the bus stop?

Meantime, active people as young as 61 can make unlimited bus trips even as far as Cambridge, at the taxpayers’ expense.

Is this fair? Not in my opinion! Surely it is the most disabled who should receive the most help in getting out to meet their friends etc.

Regrettably my speech was received in stony silence. Not one councillor asked me a question, or tried to argue against my points. Their main concern was to save money, because tokens are paid for by local taxpayers, whereas bus passes are largely financed by Whitehall.

No doubt these nasty cuts will be implemented in April next.

M. Hugh-Jones, Honorary Secretary, Oxfordshire Pensioners’ Action Group