I WOULD like to respond to M Simpkins' recent letter. I strongly agree with his comments and feel that Councillor Smith needs to remove his head from the sand and start listening to the people who have supported the park-and-ride since its launch.

County council staff have been at the Perdiswell depot since the "new launch" and have no doubt had to endure the wrath of many passengers. They have, however, continued to encourage us all to provide feedback, which I have done.

I e-mailed Councillor Smith on September 24 and to date have yet to receive a response. Numerous colleagues and I have now started to park in the city centre as we can no longer guarantee our arrival time at work.

Although you certainly expect "teething" problems at the start of any new service, it seems that no one is trying to rectify the difficulties. Indeed, is Councillor Smith aware that his own council staff have had to take disgruntled passengers into town, in their own cars, just to ensure they get to work on time? I somehow very much doubt it.

DEBBIE LAMONT,

Defford.