FREE bus travel in the town for pensioners and disabled residents has been axed.

Droitwich Spa Town Council has been unable to strike a deal to renew free passes with First Midland Red.

But public transport users will be able to travel across Worcestershire and surrounding areas, including Birmingham, for half price.

Council leader Cllr Pam Davey (Con, Droit.South) said she realised residents valued the free town travel pass and said it was regrettable a deal could not be made with the bus company.

She pointed out that travel to county hospitals would now be cheaper.

This year the Government ordered all local authorities to provide a free bus pass.

Wychavon District Council previously offered pensioners travel tokens which could be used on scheduled bus or rail services, or car parking concessions.

Folk can now have the county bus pass, travel tokens or car parking vouchers.

Cllr John Cook (Lab, Droit.West) told a meeting of the council on Monday: "This is a black day for Droitwich Spa.

"Our pensioners have always had a free bus pass for town use.

"I am disappointed and appalled by the actions of First Midland Red.

"I appreciate the reduced rate for county-wide journeys and the hard work of town councillors but our pensioners and disabled folk have been let down."

Cllr Harry Hipkiss (Lab, Droit.West) said: "I use the buses everyday and my pension won't go up."

Mayor Don Lawley (Con, Droit.South) said: "We need to let the new scheme run for one year to see how it works.

"It's really not our fault, this is a national issue."

Nobody from First Midland Red was available for comment as we went to press.