RED-faced pensioners claim bus drivers have been turfing them off buses - despite having valid passes.

The wording on the passes, which cover the whole of Worcestershire and allow pensioners and the disabled to pay half fare, states "valid at all times".

But two furious pensioners said drivers told them their passes could not be used before 9am and refused to let them sit down.

"The situation has left lots of elderly people nearly in tears," said Droitwich councillor John Cook.

"The drivers have been having a go at pensioners because two or three people tried to get on a First Midland Red bus before 9am."

Coun Cook claimed an elderly man tried to travel on a number 22 bus from Blake Avenue, on Tuesday, October 30.

In a second incident, a female pensioner attempted to get on a bus in the same street at a similar time, on Friday, November 2.

Neither were allowed past the driver.

Angry and embarassed

"The man and woman came to see me and were angry and embarrassed," said Coun Cook, from the Chawson Farm estate.

"The bus driver and elderly man had an a verbal confrontation that was very explicit, but it did not help the situation."

Alan Morgan, head of corporate services for Wychavon District Council, which issued the passes, confirmed they were valid at all times.

"The travel passes are available for use 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week," he said.

"Maybe there is a bus driver who has been transferred to Droitwich from another area and he is used to the pass not being used before 9am."

He said if Droitwich bus users had a problem with their passes, they should air their views at Wychavon's One Stop Shop in the High Street.

Austin Birks, commercial manager for First Midland Red, said the company was aware of the complaints, and would be investigating a solution.

He was unavailable for further comment at the time the Evening News was going to press.