THEY were once so popular that a team of fast-track processors was hired to cope with the demand.

But this year pensioners in Worcester are being slow off the mark to claim their concessionary bus passes.

More than 4,000 have yet to be collected from the Guildhall after only 2,200 were claimed in their first week of issue.

But senior citizens entitled to receive the passes are being urged to call in before Friday, May 16 to be able to collect their passes faster than usual.

A fast-track team is in place until then to ensure people do not get stuck in long queues.

In previous years, the majority of qualifying pensioners have rushed to the Guildhall in the first fortnight.

Convenient

"From previous years' experience, we drafted-in a team of people to 'fast-track' the processing of bus-pass applications over a two-week period," said Christine Dobson, administration assistant.

"Of course, people can collect their passes at any time of the year, but it will be so much more convenient for them if they call in while the teams are here to speed-up the process for them.

"I am a little concerned that if they leave it until after Friday, they may find themselves waiting for longer than is really necessary."

The bus pass allocation teams are in action at the Guildhall from 9am until 4pm every day until Friday, May 15.

"It will benefit everyone all round if they can call in to collect their passes before that time."