Council rejects free travel pass

The council said it was a "sensible" decision not to reinstate free bus travel

A Lincolnshire district council has defended its decision not to extend a free bus travel scheme.

In April, a national off-peak bus pass for the disabled and over 60s was rolled out and local councils could extend its hours if they wanted.

South Kesteven is now the only one of seven authorities in the county not doing this, citing the cost.

Despite criticism from some passengers, officials said extending the pass was not a good use of taxpayers' cash.

'Not risking'

Local residents speaking to Radio Lincolnshire described the decision as "diabolical" and "absolutely terrible".

Conservative Councillor Maureen Spencer-Gregson said: "We simply don't know the impact, the cost of the number of journeys taken and the passengers travelled, and we are not prepared to risk any more of the council tax payers' money."

The portfolio holder for resources and assets at the Conservative-led district council said South Kesteven had not ruled out the option of free travel for concessionary pass holders, and was consulting with council tax payers.

But the restrictions would only be lifted if "the time is right and if the money is within the budget - it would be unfair to overspend our budget on something we can't afford".

The councils reinstating completely free bus travel for pass holders are North Kesteven, East Lindsey, West Lindsey, South Holland, Lincoln City and Boston Borough.