REPRESENTATIVES from Worcestershire's older people's forums met Redditch MP Jacqui Smith to discuss concerns and disappointment with the quality, quantity and affordability of the county's bus service.

Representatives from Redditch, Worcester, Wyre Forest and Droitwich told Ms Smith they wanted see a countywide bus pass scheme to give uniformity to travel for the elderly.

Currently, there are huge discrepancies in how much elderly people pay for bus travel from one area to the next.

A spokesman said: "The lack of a decent service in this county is leading to social exclusion and a poorer quality of life for thousands of elderly people and it's totally unfair."

There were also discussions about plans to take away concessionary bus passes from pensioners and the disabled in Redditch.

Ms Smith said: "I met the chief executive of First bus company to discuss the service a week before the announcement was made that there were plans to drop the concessionary bus pass scheme in Redditch.

"He never mentioned the proposals to me and I was very angry when I found out and phoned him to tell him so.

"I personally feel First has treated this county very badly."

Ms Smith told the representatives she would support them in their fight to get a countywide bus pass scheme.