LEGAL experts have been drafted in to help settle a dispute over a bus company's refusal to accept pensioner and disabled passes, writes Becky Procter.

Redditch Council is in conflict with Pete's Travel, which took over a number of vital bus routes axed by the town's main bus operator.

The company has refused to join the council's concessionary fare scheme, which offers a much-reduced price for elderly and disabled bus users.

Crucial talks between councillors, officers and Pete's Travel bosses will take place this week to try to resolve the problem.

Cllr David Cartwright said if the council altered the scheme, it would mean First Midland Red would lose out and could be forced to drop further routes.

"We have called in barristers to look at our scheme and we are considering different options.

"We're taking advice to ensure we resolve this the fastest and best way we can," he said.

During a county contact forum meeting on Monday night, angry residents affected by the bus company's decision spoke out.

Pete's Travel financial controller Anthony Simms said: "As we have said before, we're keen to accept concessionary passes but it has to be on the basis we are no better or worse off for doing so."