A BUS firm which has refused to accept pensioner and disabled bus passes in Redditch for the last three months is to be ordered to do so in the latest stage of a long-running dispute, writes Becky Procter.

Redditch Council is to issue a participation notice ordering Pete's Travel to join its concessionary fare scheme - but the problems still look set to take several months to resolve.

Pete's Travel took over a number of routes axed by operator First Midland Red in October but many angry passengers complained their passes were not being accepted.

Pete's Travel refused to join the scheme after claiming it was not in line with legislation.

Urgent meetings and legal talks took place and the council pledged a two-tier system in Redditch would not be allowed to continue.

Plans to issue the participation order have now been announced.

Pete's Travel has five days after receiving the participation order to lodge an appeal.

If an appeal is lodged, both sides will have to prepare documents detailing the arguments for and against joining the scheme before the dispute is sent to Transport Secretary Stephen Byers.

Mr Cartwright said it would probably take at least two to three months before a final decision was made.