PENSIONERS have been angered by a possible shake-up of concessionary travel in London.

Redbridge Council is looking to support a parliamentary bill which could see councils given more power over when free rail travel is allowed using a Freedom Pass.

Pamela Richards, of Blake Hall Road, Wanstead, said: "I think I'm definitely entitled to my pass as I used to pay about £1,000 a year for my season ticket before I retired and it was something I did for years.

"I suffer osteoarthritis and I use the bus sometimes and the Tube quite often.

"I would say I use the pass almost daily, for example I take the Tube to hospital appointments, and I would miss the pass greatly."

The 74-year-old said she would like to know what the new power might mean and what changes could be afoot.

She said: "The council should be standing by the pensioners in the borough.

"This is a worthwhile perk and you don't get many others as a pensioner.

"It can be expensive to get about so I'm quite disgusted about this really."

At the moment residents in London boroughs who are 60 and over are entitled to a Freedom Pass which gives free travel on the Tube network, all day every day, and limited concessionary travel on National Rail services after 9.30am.

A funding problem could arise for councils as the Government has highlighted it wants Transport for London to have more involvement in running National Rail services in London.

If this goes ahead, without a change in current legislation, it could increase the network of services available under the free scheme, which could end up costing Redbridge Council up to £3 million a year.

Alf Weggis, of Monkhams Drive, Woodford Green, said he would oppose any changes.

Mr Weggis, who turns 94 on Wednesday, said: "I use the underground for getting out and about and train and Tube travel is not cheap.

"It seems to be another easy way for the council to try and save money by targeting the elderly.

"I have had the pass for more than 30 years and although I depend on my children more now for travel, I have used the pass a hell of a lot in the past."

Geoff Stimpson, 76, of Beresford Drive, Woodford Green, said: "It is a bit of a kick in the teeth if it leads to changes.

"At the moment the council is faced with all sorts of financial problems because of what the Government is up to but you always read in the paper about different Quangos that are wasting money.

"My wife and I use our passes from time to time, particularly when we go up into town.

"I presume there will be some who don't use them that often and others who depend on them."

A council spokeswoman said: "The council is being consulted, along with all London boroughs, on proposals London Councils has put forward to make two changes to the Greater London Authority Act, which is connected to the Freedom Pass.

"These are technical changes which do not affect the fundamental requirements for the scheme.

"Freedom Pass is a statutory scheme protected by legislation and there are absolutely no plans to withdraw it."

The proposed bill will be discussed at a council meeting this Thursday.