ANGRY pensioners say they will be left isolated if plans to make them pay for bus passes are approved.

Hampshire County Council is facing a backlash over plans to make pensioners pay 50p every time they use their bus pass and £10 each time a permit is issued or renewed.

As previously reported, the proposal was backed by the authority last week and is part of a major plan aimed at saving £140 million by April 2019.

The authority says the revenue raised by the scheme would be used to support transport schemes which serve disadvantaged residents.

But a group of pensioners is furious with the plans and say the proposal will leave many isolated as they will be unable to go out as often.

Sandra Ronan, 74, from Eastleigh, said: “Keeping transport free is vital. If pensioners have to pay to use the bus it will probably stop them from going out and lead to isolation.”

Devan Kandiah, chairman of Age Concern Eastleigh, said the decision was already causing distress among many pensioners, which, he added, could lead to illness and depression.

“I understand the council has to balance the books but it should look at other ways to do it,” he said.

However, several pensioners have said they would prefer to pay a contribution rather than lose the service.

Dorothy Baverstock, chairman of Test Valley Community Services, said: “I feel the majority of people could afford to pay 50p. I have a friend who goes all over the county with her bus pass.She would be more than happy to pay – it keeps public transport going.”

Cllr Roy Perry, leader of Hampshire County Council, said: “We believe the most sensible and fair solution to raise the funds required to maintain community transport and continue to subsidise bus services – the 13 per cent which are not financially viable for the bus operators to run without subsidy – is to make a small charge for using older people’s bus passes. We know that many bus pass holders have said they would rather pay something rather than lose their service.”

The proposal will now be subject to more consultation.