SENIOR councillors have backed a £4 increase in the cost of bus passes in Worcester.

The city council cabinet last night approved the new scheme, which is set to be introduced at the turn of the year.

"What we have struck here is a compromise. If we'd been totally budget-driven in our thinking the charges would be higher, but they are not," said council leader Coun Stephen Inman.

The pass, available to elderly and disabled passengers, will cost £12. "Short single" journeys will be 35p, "short returns" and "long singles" will be 50p and day tickets will remain at 90p. The figures will rise by half of any fare increase introduced by bus companies.

Angry

Brian Hunt, chairman of the Worcester City Forum for Older People, told the cabinet he was angry the council had given the impression that the forum backed the increased price.

Earlier this week, Coun Simon Geraghty, deputy leader, had said that the views of forum members, who showed overwhelming support for an £8 pass, had been "taken into account" in drawing up the new scheme.

Last night he said he apologised if his words suggested the forum backed the £12 scheme.

The whole council will vote on the proposals later this year.