NOW the New Year is under way, with many of us resolving to become fitter and take more exercise, it seems the First Midland Red bus company, who operate the 42A service to Barnards Green, and whose motto is "Transforming travel" have decided to join in the effort, no doubt inspired by the recent campaign to encourage our children to walk to school.

Unfortunately, the means chosen to effect this public-spirited exercise is placing an extreme burden on those of our children living between Howsell Road and Newtown Road who rely on this bus for daily transport to the Chase High School. I believe it is also seriously endangering their safety and causing many of us to have to resort to private transport, thereby adding to the daily congestion in Barnards Green.

First Midland Red buses have eliminated a section of the route of the 42A and are now bypassing a number of previously well-used bus stops. Perhaps in an office in Worcester this makes a satisfying straight line on a plan but unfortunately we do not all live in straight lines. Doesn't anybody realise that bus stops are opportunities for customers to use your services, not delay in a race to the garage?

The communication skills which The Chase hopes to impart to our children could usefully be taught to First Midland Red executives, who introduced these changes without any consultation. No communication has come via The Chase or through on board notices. There was not even a notice at the bus stop.

We are told that we should expect to walk to a bus stop and I must agree, but to see if this is realistic I paced out the journey, which measured 950 metres. This may not be a lot but I am not a 12-year-old girl carrying quarter of my bodyweight in a school bag each day. This is also a journey which is entirely uphill and taken at a time when it can be extremely dark. It involves the crossing of four roads and at no point is there a pedestrian crossing or crossing warden.

Public transport in Malvern seems increasingly to wish to dictate when and where we may travel, rather than taking us where and when we wish to go.

Successful companies research their market and thrive by satisfying it, First Midland, on the other hand, see no need to even consult their customers. The new schedule is due to be reviewed in order to assess its "success" and anyone affected by the changes is requested to contact Dawid Maciejewski, communications manager, First in the Midlands, Heron Lodge, London Road, Worcester, WR5 2EU. Tel (01905) 361717 or (07836) 615155.

What a pity he didn't speak to his customers first.

PADRAIG O DUBHLAOIDH, Somers Road, Malvern.