MY partner, who is disabled, on crutches and in an “aircast”

ankle pot, was talking to our postman while waiting at the bus stop. She flagged the bus to stop.

It slowed down, and then accelerated away to the bemusement of both herself and our postman.

I instantly complained to Arriva by phone and had a long conversation with the complaints department which promised a full investigation and to “keep me informed”.

This discussion also went into the subsidies paid to Arriva and the proposed cutting of services to Hurworth and Neasham, whereupon the gentleman told me that services were cut based on assessments of the ticket receipts for “bums on seats”.

Well, of course, it is going to be low if they don’t stop for passengers – especially the disabled – so the company can once again put in for more lovely subsidy grants.

Three to four weeks have passed with no update on my complaint. However, we did get a free one-way ticket to Darlington for our inconvenience – very handy when she is already disabled with a free bus pass.

This is not the first time I have had cause to complain to Arriva for various reasons, only to be promised the earth and getting nothing.

Councillor Ian White, Hurworth, near Darlington.