A BUS firm's fare increase of almost 43 per cent on return tickets to Launceston and Holsworthy from North Tamerton could, a local man has claimed, do further damage to both towns' trade.

Martin Fish said he was disappointed to be told it would be £4 for a return ticket when boarding the Wednesday bus to Holsworthy — up £1.20 from £2.80.

The driver did in fact tell him 'prepare to be shocked', when he set foot on the bus, but having already consulted another driver previously, Martin knew the price would be rising and thought nothing of the comment — until he was asked to pay.

Having reluctantly handed their money over, talk quickly began amongst customers about the new pricing scheme.

"I was aware there were going to be changes. I'd asked one driver, who told me 'there may be a slight increase' in the fare prices, but this is a ridiculous amount. There will be people who will be priced out of getting on and will have to stop using the bus altogether."

A family of three in the village who regularly use the bus, he said, will be charged £12 a journey now — an amount that could deter them from using public transport and instead opting to run a car instead in future.

The buses run three times a week — on Monday and Thursday to Launceston, and on Wednesday to Holsworthy. He uses the Wednesday service each week, whilst his mother travels on Mondays — though using a concessionary bus pass.

Were they both paying customers however, they'd both be paying £4 each, but his mother would be travelling a distance of around 24 miles — double the 12 he would undertake.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.