All aboard '“ and hold very tight, please '“ to get your money's worth

THREE weeks ago in the Herald, Adur council said the council tax rise for 2008-09 would mean the average householder having to pay an extra Â£1.26 per week.

The large increase was because the government was not giving any funding towards the bus travel that the over-60s would be entitled to.

In the national newspapers, the Department for Transport has been advertising it from April 1.

If you are over 60 or disabled, you can travel free, off-peak, on buses anywhere in England.

But to us, if we are paying higher council tax, it is not free.

The government gives with one hand, but quickly takes back with the other.

We wonder how many other councils have got to do the same.

We know the rise against the cost of the bus fare is minimal and even more so if you use the bus daily, but it is still that word "free".

We suppose some poor, lonely soul will say they have travelled from Shoreham to Land's End and from Land's End to Berwick-upon-Tweed.

If they do, can they please take note of the bus numbers and destinations, plus all the cafs and toilets on route, so they can make it into a timetable.

I am sure they could make a fortune.

Den Godwey

Holmbush Close

Shoreham