ELDERLY and disabled people could be hit by a massive rise in bus fares, under drastic money-saving measures to be introduced by St Albans District Council.

People aged over 70 who receive benefits could see the price of an annual bus permit increase from £15 to £40, while those not on benefits would be subject to a hike from £57 to £80 per year.

Meanwhile, disabled people would pay £20 instead of the present £12 and those on benefits would pay £10 rather than £8.50 for a yearly pass, according to the council's concessionary fare review recommendations.

The proposal was made in an attempt to reduce council expenditure, in preparation for the budget in February.

Outraged members of Help The Aged charity vehemently oppose the suggested fare changes.

Regional PR manager Julia Sweidan said: "At Help the Aged we have been campaigning for free bus travel for the aged for some years now.

"In some parts of England and in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, all pensioners will get free bus travel by this year.

"Many elderly people rely on public transport to get out, go shopping, see friends or even to get to hospital.

"Some of them will not be able to afford this and that will lead to loneliness, isolation and more problems. I do not think it is fair to target one of the most vulnerable groups of society to make savings. We feel strongly about this issue."

However, not all councillors agreed with the cost-cutting measures at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Councillor Malcom MacMillan said: "I do not think it is acceptable to put up the cost of tickets for the elderly and disabled. I will fight against it tooth and nail it is far too much of an increase."

He suggested spreading the increase between the elderly and the disabled rates, rather than imposing a larger rise on the elderly.

Councillor Dreda Gordon said: "Not all people with disabilities are in financial need, as not all elderly people are either.

"I think we need to look at this again."

Councillor Robert Donald added: "It is elderly people who do not quite qualify for benefits who will be stung by this."