Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Elderly and disabled residents free travel to be restricted.

The Wiltshire Council Conservative administration has announced that the free bus pass used by elderly and disabled residents is to be restricted to save money.

Currently, pass-holders can travel free on most bus services at any time. As of next year bus passes will only be able to be used after the morning peak has passed.

The usual limited 'consultation' is under way with two options being considered - to start free travel on weekdays at either 09.00 or 09.30.

Weekend travel will remain free at all times but only because legislation says it has to be. If they could, I'm sure that the Tories would have restricted that use too.

Also, the government won't allow Wiltshire Council to cut the hours any further than an 09.30 start on weekdays.

WC is unsure about the exact amount of money the cuts will save - for an 09.00 start the figure would be 'between £133,000 and £218,000'. For the 09.30 start option it would rise to 'between £242,000 and £296,000'.

You can respond to the consultation by clicking here.

It never ceases to amaze me how many consultations are undertaken by WC during the summer holiday period...

The decision following the consultation (probably to select an 09.30 start) will be made by the WC cabinet in November, and the changes will be introduced next April.

Individuals or groups may respond.

Anyone who would be particularly disagvantaged by the changes should fill in the form and explain why, as it may be possible for exceptions to be made on a small number of routes if good reasons are put forward.