FROM July 1 travellers from West Devon who have a free bus pass because they are disabled will be able to take someone to assist them on their journey free of charge.

West Devon Borough Council has extended its concessionary travel scheme to provide a new 'companion pass' to disabled travellers, which means that carers, or companions, accompanying them can also travel free on public buses in the West Devon area.

Chair of the council's strategies and resources committee, Cllr Margaret Garton, said: 'West Devon Borough Council has decided that the Government's scheme failed to address the needs of disabled persons who must be accompanied by a carer in order to take advantage of free travel. We believe that providing free travel for the disabled but withdrawing companion passes causes great difficulty to those who most need concessionary travel.'

The new passes are being sent to all those who currently have a bus pass on the grounds of their disability. They can be used by West Devon residents for all journeys which start within the West Devon area. As this is a West Devon scheme, companions will still have to pay for journeys started outside the area.

Those who qualify for a bus pass because of their age but who need assistance when travelling due to a disability should contact the council to see if they also qualify for a companion pass.

For further information contact customer services on 01822 813600, or email [email protected]">[email protected]