VISITORS to this area always say how wonderful it is, how fortunate you are to live in such a beautiful place - such scenery, so many historic places to see.

With a Senior Railcard (not free) a bus pass, RHS and National Trust life membership cards the world could be terrific. There is a snag.

No National Trust and no RHS sites are on a public transport route. It wouldn't make any difference because neither am I.

Our bus service was cancelled two months after we retired and moved here. After a serious injury I do not drive - I do not own a car now. My walking capacity is much less than in my pre-accident life and I tire easily.

I use taxis for shopping; the nearest supermarket is five miles, costing £10 each way. To the town centre the cost varies between £13 and £15.

A 'trip' - a day out - therefore is fairly simple as long as I go to towns. Off the beaten track, such as to a country village ora 'place of interest', the cost so far has not been chanced. It could involve - reluctantly - an overnight stay and much planning (inevitably spare shoes/clothes/medication).

Now alone, I am 'free' . Last week I spent £100 on taxis. The week before, a dental appointment's taxi cost £18 each way and a major shopping another £24.

Concerts and art exhibitions are therefore off-limits. When I waited for 45 minutes for a taxi home yesterday, empty/nearly empty buses were leaving the bus station for local places - Sandylands, Larch Grove (Larch Grove again ...) and anyone could have been spared to go to Shap via the A6. One per day - or even one a week - would help shoppers, hikers, and anybody visiting friends.

My diet is affected because food gets stale or must be discarded. I don't see family or friends.

We worked frenetically to retire debt-free; we both enjoyed a brief period of retirement before my husband's death in 2012. I like it here - but I would like to have some of the opportunities so plentifully given to town dwellers who do not need them.

Stagecoach is paid to provide countless empty buses along routes that already have services. It is a scandalous waste of money.

I live ten miles from Levens, Sizergh, and Lowther; the list of ''wonderful places to see'' is ridiculously long and lacking in management. Take action, Transport.

Wendy Chandler

Selside