Bus journey leaves reader dismayed at youth behaviour – your letters, plus camels relax as safari park reopens after lockdown – archive picture

​My bus journey was a shocker

I had cause recently to travel by bus to Wolverhampton. It was a chastening experience to say the least. I don't consider myself "a prude or killjoy", but the amount of profanity and downright awful manners shown by youths on the bus was deeply offensive and unnecessary.

As a young boy, I recall travelling by bus with my parents.

I was made to sit still and give up my seat to a lady or an elderly person. I thought this was what I had to do. As I grew up, my Father, in particular, made me aware of how it was deeply shameful to use profane language in public and especially with ladies present.

The profanity I encountered on my bus journey was off the scale, with every word seemingly an expletive. The obvious inability to use English well was also apparent.

These young people are the future, and on the evidence of my experience, there is zero cause for optimism. I have my own perspective on what has gone so very wrong, which many don't share. My lament is for the decline in Christian belief that has gone so far as to undermine civil society.

Modern Social Theorists reject any resort to faith. In its place, our young are encouraged to worship at the feet of materialism and the pure, self-interested acquisition of "stuff."

Confused about who or what they are, the young are like a cork bobbing around in a bucket of water.

No certainties, no right or wrong, everything permissible, even if you have no means to acquire what you seek, it is seen as your right to possess it.

This is far from the country I desire for both my children and those of other decent ordinary decent folks.

Martin Bristow, Midlands

Pothole cash is small change

The UK spent £645m repairing potholes last year.

Compare this with revenue collected by fuel duty and VED (road tax).

That brought in a combined total £37 billion in the latest 2025-26 financial year.

Colin Barclay, Bridgnorth

Let’s fly more flags on streets

I am writing in response to Chris Smith’s letter regarding flags flying.

I was going to write a letter saying the same thing.

How silly is is to be threatened by flags flying.

I like to see them and feel there should be more, and that’s the mayor saying that. God help us.

Carol Prince, Craven Arms

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