ELDERLY passengers are welcoming plans to allow them to use bus passes from 9am once again.

Pensioners in Tendring hit out after the start time for free bus travel was put back to 9.30am on April 1, following the introduction of the new national concessionary scheme.

But Lawrie Payne, Tendring Council's portfolio holder for benefits and revenues, has now said he wants the council to make a U-turn on the scheme following the backlash from passengers.

He said: "It is my intention to invite the cabinet to recommend to this council that the start time of the scheme is changed from 9.30am to 9am.

"I believe that the social benefits in this case outweigh those financial implications such a change may make.

"I can now inform the council that it is my intention to have a report brought to the next full council meeting so that this council can make a decision."

Tendring Council could be one of the first in the country to return to the earlier time following the uproar from elderly passengers, although other councils did not implement the new Government-set time.