A FREE bus pass scheme for the over 60s is a victim of its own success - as some buses are now too full.

Under the new national travel concession scheme, people over 60 can get free bus travel on routes around the country.

The passes can be used between 9.30am and 11pm on weekdays and at any time over the weekend and bank holidays.

But Peter Simpson, information and headquarters manager for Age Concern Colchester, said it has meant some popular buses are so overcrowded people can't get on the bus.

Colchester Council's concessionary bus pass scheme previously started at 9am.

Mr Simpson said: "We have received reports of people being left behind on Shrub End Road and Lexden Road because the buses are unable to cope with the tremendous numbers wanting to use their concessionary bus passes as early as possible.

"Quite a large number of elderly people live in the Stanway area and the 9am bus was popular.

"I think what we have now is people who would have caught the bus at 9am and the ones who travel at 9.30am all having to get the 9.30am buses.

"People have been reporting to us the first bus that goes along Lexden Road is full by the time it reaches Glen Avenue, and it goes straight past the stop.

"It is the same situation with the number one service, which starts at Prettygate and by the time it reaches Plume Avenue it is full."

Mr Simpson said Age Concern Colchester wanted Colchester Council to consider bringing forward the free bus travel time to 9am as councils in Braintree and Maldon had done. Tendring Council is also considering this.