IN reply to CH Jackson’s dismay at the scrapping of Dial-a-Ride (HAS, Sept 21) by Darlington Borough Council, I say three cheers to the council.

We are going to see a dramatic cut-back in services that the council can provide, so let’s rid ourselves of the luxuries like Dial-a-Ride and concentrate resources on essential work and staff retention.

People in villages are always harping on about the lack of transport, or the lack of shops and post offices. The answer lies with their choice to live there in the first place.

I have recently returned to living in Darlington after some years abroad, and in doing so, chose my property wisely with some thought for both my age and future mobility.

Live in a village if you want, just don’t expect us to fund your lifestyle decision.

E Armstrong-Brooks, Barmpton Village, Darlington.

THE lady questioning the decision by Darlington council to axe Dial-a-Ride (HAS, Sept 20) also seems upset that her village of Sadberge no longer possesses a shop or post office.

The council cannot afford a luxury like Dial-a-Ride: it is not financially viable. The Royal Mail closed the post office because it was making a loss. I assume the shop closed for the same reason.

Lily Robinson-Bland, Darlington