While it was gratifying to read "Councillors condemn plans to axe trains" (The Argus, August 9), it would have been nice to see some acknowledgement from them of the contribution made by the Brighton and Hove Older People's Council (OPC) in this matter.

The OPC's vice-chair, Bob Gunnell, has worked tirelessly (unpaid) for two years to bring this matter to the attention of councillors, council officers and local MPs.

Because he has made written representations to all the transport authorities, the OPC is now a member of the Southern Rail Stakeholders Advisory Group and receives details of proposed changes well in advance of decisions being taken.

Without the warning from the OPC that these rail services were under threat, no objection would have been raised by Brighton and Hove City Council.

Bob Gunnell now has a good relationship with the council's public transport officer and much of the wording in the council's response was supplied by the OPC.

David Lepper MP has been particularly responsive to the OPC's concerns regarding the inaccessibility of Clapham Junction for older and disabled people.

Recently, there was a photograph in The Argus of beach matting being welcomed by a wheelchair user.

For readers' information, the provision of this matting was a direct result of the OPC's request at the Equalities Forum meeting in December 2005 and my follow-up reminders to the council.

Although the OPC was promised involvement in the trial, again there was no acknowledgement of our contribution by the council.

  • Joan Moorhouse, chair, Older People's Council, The Brow, Brighton