PASSENGERS who are passionate about public transport are being urged to join older town residents on a trip to London.

Droitwich Spa Older People's Forum is attending a lobby in the capital to defend free transport for pensioners and the disabled.

It has organised a coach and is selling tickets for £10.

Bus passes

The event on Thursday, March 20 has been organised by the National Pensioners Convention (NPC), to tackle proposals in a new Government report.

The NPC claims the Commission for Integrated Transport wants to scrap free bus passes for the aged and use newfound funds to give students and unemployed people half price travel.

The development could see the introduction of means testing.

Spa forum chairman Eve Freer said: "We are not against other members of the community getting more support for travel but that does not mean the elderly should lose out."

Free transport for pensioners is currently available in parts of the West Midlands, Merseyside and London.

Older Spa residents can choose between a half-fare bus pass for use across Worcestershire or a town card, which costs £10 each quarter and provides free use of Droitwich services.

Anyone who wants to campaign outside the House of Commons, should pop into the forum's office in the One Stop Shop, Droitwich High Street, or call 01905 771122.

Volunteers are available on Mondays and Wednesday. Alternatively reserve your place on the coach with Sheila Neary on 01905 778611.