Tendring could be set to be the first district in the country to make a U-turn on a controversial new bus pass scheme.

Angry passengers hit out after the start time for free bus travel for the over-60s was put back to 9.30am in line with Government-set start times from April 1.

Some councils did not implement the new time, but it is thought Tendring could be the first to return to the earlier time of 9am after uproar from elderly passengers.

Lawrie Payne, Tendring Council portfolio holder for revenues, announced a review of the start time.

He said: "We have listened to what people are saying and, having taken it seriously, I will be looking into the implication of changing the start time back to 9am.

"We will need to consider the financial implications but I am hopeful I will be able to return to the council cabinet with a positive result."

Clacton MP Douglas Carswell welcomed the move: "I have had lots of angry elderly bus passengers complain because they think the 9.30am start time is ridiculous."

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