It is understandable that businesses want to provide best value and have a cost-effective system. But the truth is that there are dozens of people who have been affected by First Leeds' bus cuts, and they are being stranded, especially in Pool-in-Wharfedale.

The cuts are still being accepted across the region and people are trying to readjust, but when it means children are late for school and pensioners are stranded at bus stops for long periods, surely something must be done.

Campaigners are doing their best to reverse the decision but it seems that nobody has any power to do anything.

Although there are different buses, villagers are arguing that travelling from Pool into Otley and then to Leeds is ridiculous. If the Government is so intent on urging people to use public transport then why is it not doing all it can to keep important rural routes like this alive.

People power in Horsforth is proving that crime does not pay, and the residents who are standing up to stone thieves should be applauded.

The stone thefts across the area are rising to almost epidemic proportions and people are becoming afraid to have nice gardens or keep churchyards open. The whistle blowers in Horsforth are proving that with a bit of courage, people can unite and tackle problems.

Blowing whistles is such a simple idea, and it is proving to be effective, so maybe the police will be issuing whistles to Neighbourhood Watch groups as well as the usual advice and security measures.

Thieves who are thinking of striking again should think twice before they step out of their doors to do the dirty. The only thing that is wrong with the whistle blowing is that it should have to happen at all.

It really is a sorry state of affairs when people cannot enjoy their patios and have the stone that they want without having to, in effect, deface it just so thieves are put off.