IN YOUR story 'Patience runs out on bus gripes' on February 5 Councillor Jason Stacey recommends the cabinet removes the bus stand at Acton Green and takes measures to improve the area.

There is some misleading information in the report.

I question whether he has the powers to remove the bus stand.

It has been there since the introduction by the London General Omnibus Company of their route 88 to Belmont in at least the start of the 1920s, and maybe a lot earlier.

For a short time, that route was extended to terminate at Turnham Green, but soon reverted to Acton Green.

The present route 94 is not likely to be extended to the Chiswick Business Park, so the only sensible alternative terminal point would be Starch Green (the old Seven Stars junction with Askew Road), resulting in the service being completely withdrawn from our borough. Is this what Mr Stacey wants?

The report refers to the night service and then talks about buses every 90 seconds. This is misleading - the night service is only two buses per hour each way.

The three-minute service relates to the peak periods only.

Buses have to sometimes mount the pavement because most of the length of South Parade, a classified B road which used to be yellow-lined, suddenly became available for parking on one side when councils were allowed to charge for on-street parking and retain the profits.

The resulting width is barely sufficient for two large vehicles to pass each other. Perhaps the yellow lines should be brought back?

Remembering that the age of Bedford Park properties means that very few were built with coach houses (now used as garages or housing) and it's a conservation area, they should not be allowed to be built now.

Ealing Council has a record of failing to support Transport for London's bus requirements, particularly in relation to drivers' toilets at terminal points, but also the proposed bus garage at Gipsy Corner and suggested new terminals.

If it is moving towards a car-free borough, the problems associated with buses and their operation will have to be borne.

JOHN GASHION Committee member Ealing Passenger Transport

Users' Group