WE have become a nation of softies. These days, a bit of snow causes major disruption when years ago we just got on with it.

Back in the day, we used snow tyres on our cars and public transport. However these days they are unheard of and it does not help that modern buses are automatic and, along with most modern drivers, our public service drivers have no real experience of driving in adverse conditions.

Real British buses like Leyland and AEC had manual gear boxes and would travel in all conditions. They could be relied upon to get through and when I worked for Gypsy Queen from Langley Park, the company ran in all weathers from there to Durham as it felt that it had a duty to all its regular passengers, something that is lacking today.

We never left people stranded like the major operators do today.

Name supplied, near Durham.

WHEN is someone going to do something about the service that we in some parts of County Durham are getting from Arriva.

The buses are dirty, expensive and their time-keeping is appalling.

Local people have been complaining to the county council, but to no avail.

Is there anyone out there willing to listen?

JW Turnbull, Ludworth.