I DISAGREE with Eric Burkes' view that Upton and South Elmsall parish councils should contribute towards the running costs of the Three Towns Community Bus.
South Kirkby Town Council did not consult Upton and South Elmsall councils until this local bus service was up and running. South Kirkby Council appointed a manager, a secretary, two drivers and board members.
In the early 1990s South Kirkby Cou
ncil tried to set up a garden management service, South Kirkby would have provided the management and labourers and of course it would have been based at South Kirkby.
For Mr Burkes' information, Upton Parish Council would have withdrawn its membership of the burial board if it had been legally possible, I recall that there were disagreements with South Kirkby board members.
Wakefield Council and Metro run an access dial-a-ride. These buses have disabled lifts and safety equipment.
The service operates between 9am to 5.30pm on weekdays and from 9am to 5pm on Sundays.
The bus is avilable for shopping at local supermarkets, shopping centres and local community centres free of charge.
My wife has only used the Three Towns Bus from Elmsall market to Upton on three or four occasions because it was available at the time she had finished shopping.
I would like to ask two questions: Firstly, is the Three Towns Bus service regestered as a charity?
If so, there are grants for this type of thing and benefits, such as not having to pay VAT.
The second question is relating to hospitals in Wakefield, Pontefract and Donaster.
They are hard to get to from our area, so does the bus not have a daily service? It would benefit many pensioners who want to visit relatives and friends.
Anthony Kitchin
West Avenue
Upton
