REDDITCH Council has agreed to continue with its existing arrangements for bus passes when the Government's new free scheme starts on April 1 next year.

At an extraordinary meeting of the council last Wednesday, members unanimously approved proposals for continuing to offer concessions which are more generous than the Government's legal requirement.

Under the scheme, older people and the disabled who are entitled to a bus pass can travel free at any time of the day, seven days a week and not just after 9.30 in the morning between Monday and Friday, as legally required.

The council also provides extra concessions for travel to or from anywhere in Worcestershire or Birmingham, whereas legally it is only required to provide the concessions for journeys wholly within Redditch.