AS a former "Ribble" employee, I have been saddened by the demise of the X43 Skipton/Burnley/Man-chester service.

The service between Skipton and Colne was withdrawn some years ago, but last month saw the surprising withdrawal of the section between Colne and Nelson.

Colne and the northern half of Nelson no longer have a direct link to Manchester.

The harsh reality is that Pendle Council is helpless because it sold the bus company to Stagecoach which subsequently sold it to Blazefield Holdings.

You cannot blame Blazefield's "Burnley and Pendle." On the contrary, it is to be complimented on its performance. It has invested in new vehicles and increased frequency of the X43, but it is in business to make a profit.

The question that all bus users in Blackburn should put to their councillors is: Do you value and appreciate the benefit of actually owning and controlling your local bus company with its current level of frequent services to virtually all parts of the borough and its high proportion of modern low floor vehicles?

Councillors should also be aware that even if a prospective purchaser gives some assurances on the level of services, this is no firm guarantee for the future as they may decide to re-sell the company to an even larger group with consequential effects to some services.

Remember, once it's sold, it's gone. You really will miss the bus!

Ex-Ribble Employee, Burnley (name and address supplied).