PENSIONERS are furious after hearing the cost of their subsidised railcards could be increased from £2.50 to £12.

Taxi vouchers could also be restricted to households without a car if Vale Royal Borough Council chiefs accept recommendations from Noel O'Neill, director of corporate and economic affairs.

The changes are to be implemented to cover a shortfall of £49,000 in the borough council's Concessionary Travel Budget, which covers the cost of cheaper travel for pensioners.

Currently the council is obliged under the Transport Act 2000 to offer a free bus pass to those who qualify.

At present the service offers a free bus pass entitling the holder to half price fares on local buses, a railcard priced £2.50, entitling the holder to a third discount on rail fares, or taxi vouchers with a redeemable value of £35, which are available to disabled people and those who live in a rural parish.

Now councillors will decide tomorrow, Thursday, at an executive group meeting whether to endorse Mr O'Neill's recommendations.

Shirley Cope, secretary of Northwich and Vale Royal District Pensioners' Association, said: "I'm absolutely speechless about the way they have a go at us all the time.

"It is just diabolical in this country the way they treat the pensioners. It is heartless. We are right at the back of the pile in Britain.

"They are making sure they are bleeding us dry."

Harry Mooney, chairman of Winsford Pensioners' Association said: "It is terrible and unfair.

"It's in the referendum of the National Pensioners that all travel should be free for pensioners.

"They do it in Ireland, which is a poor country, why can't they do it in Vale Royal?

"We've paid our taxes, we fought in the war."

Mr O'Neill said: "An increase in the fee will bring it in line with that charged by the majority of Cheshire authorities.

"The restriction of taxi vouchers to only households without a car will also generate a significant saving, while still allowing the objectives of the scheme to be realised."

vkandel@guardiangrp.co.uk