DROITWICH pensioners were left baffled by bus drivers who ordered them to pay fares - ignoring their right to free travel.

OAPs were told to cough up or get off First Midland Red buses at the weekend.

Drivers refused to accept passes which offer free travel across the Spa.

Many pensioners sought help from Wychavon Tenants' Association treasurer Sheila Neary.

She said: "I spoke to lots of confused passengers on Saturday and frankly I'm disgusted with the way they've been treated.

"Our senior citizens may have lost their free town pass for the forthcoming year but they can still enjoy free travel until June 30."

As from July, pensioners and disabled people will no longer receive the town travel pass.

Droitwich Spa Town Council failed to strike a deal with First Midland Red to secure the special passes. Instead bus users will have half price travel across Worcestershire.

Cllr Eileen Hope (Con, Droit.South) said: "It's ludicrous that passengers with valid passes were made to pay.

"I'll never forgive First Midland Red for treating our senior citizens so badly.

"New Government regulations meant the council had to re-examine Droitwich's concessionary fare scheme and members fought hard to keep the free town travel pass.

"Each pass would have cost £70 and if everyone took it up, the council would have gone bankrupt."

Midland Red spokesman Austin Birks said: "Because of significant changes to fare schemes across the county, drivers had lots to remember and some made mistakes.

"We apologise for any inconvenience."