From the perspective of elderly folk living in Barnet there are two sources of misery that the council does not seem able to address despite all their promises.

Firstly the abysmal bus service on the 263 route. We have to be resigned to up an hour's wait when two or three buses come at once. This means elderly folk waiting around in all weathers.

Secondly, in many residential roads, there is no regular collection of leaves at this time of year. The leaves pile up, get wet and become a death trap. On reply to my phoned complaint, the leaves were swept up once. This is no good, as they need sweeping at least once a week. It's all very well to put up taxes but what services do the elderly receive for their monthly £100-£200? Especially those with no transport of their own.

Can nothing be done, apart from building an arts centre?

Norma Sherman

Bow Lane, North Finchley

December 5, 2001 11:04