A PERSISTENT Suffolk pensioner was today claiming a victory for people power after her complaints about buses in Ipswich were heeded.After years of complaining Copdock resident Janet Osborne has now got a step closer to the answer she is looking for.

A PERSISTENT Suffolk pensioner was today claiming a victory for people power after her complaints about buses in Ipswich were heeded.

After years of complaining Copdock resident Janet Osborne has now got a step closer to the answer she is looking for.

Miss Osborne has been writing to bus company managers for 12 years complaining about the state of buses in Ipswich. Her ultimate goal is getting the fleet replaced.

She said: “I have complained about the state of the buses, the lack of heating, the reliability, their mechanical state, the poor conditions for drivers and the number of breakdowns.”

Now First Transport Travel-the parent company for First Buses-has agreed to send managing director (UK Bus) Nicola Shaw to Ipswich to see for herself what can be done.

Tenacious Miss Osborne, 73, of Pearsons Way, said: “Perhaps something will be done at long last. It is quite a victory and I will meet her if I get the chance.”

In a letter to Miss Osborne, Miss Shaw said: “I still do not believe the case is made to make substantial investment in new buses but there are things we can do and will do to ensure clean buses, reduce breakdowns and to ensure that we meet our expected customer services and safety of driving standards.”

A spokesman for First confirmed the visit will be taking place.

He said: “As part of her remit Ms Shaw visits all 21 of our bus companies across the UK. Her visit to the Ipswich area is part of that process.

“We listen to the concerns of all our customers and we will always look into any complaints.”

What do you think of this story? Should the bus fleet be replaced? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

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