Bus pass petitioners collect 10,000 names
Campaigners in Walsall fighting to keep bus services free for pensioners have so far collected more than 10,000 signatures from supporters backing the effort.
The national Love the Bus Pass petition is being co-ordinated by Walsall Pensioners' Convention whose members fear for the future of national concessionary bus travel, available in the whole of England since 2008.
They plan to collect at least 50,000 names as part of their national campaign which will culminate in a visit to Downing Street next year.
Co-ordinator Richard Worrall said there had been a terrific response to the paper petition which is being circulated around the country and he has called on more supporters to join in.
"Anyone of any age is encouraged to sign, youngsters have grandparents, and people of working age will not only have their parents, but will also want to be sure there's a bus pass for them when they come of age. An attack on one generation is an attack on us all.
"Feel free to pass on the word on to friends and family wherever in England they live. Give me contact details and I'll send them forms by post or e-mail.
"The initial target is 20,000 to 30,000 signatures and then descend by bus from all parts of England on planet Westminster, provisionally in March," Mr Worrall, a Walsall councillor, said.
The petition, which is being backed by the National Pensioner's Convention, has so far attracted 10,658 signatures since it was launched three months ago. The campaign was launched following a letter published in the Express & Star.
Mr Worrall said: "The terrific response to my letter is testament not just to the widespread concerns about what might be done to devalue or destroy the bus pass after the election, whichever major party or parties form the next government, but also to the huge readership of your letters page.
"Many thanks to the Express & Star for letting people know that there is something they can do to save the marvellous England concessionary bus pass from those who fail to recognise the value of the mobility this gives to older and disabled people, thus enabling them to contribute so much to the economic, social, community, and family life of the nation."
Forms are available via 01922 641084 or by emailing richardvworrall@yahoo.com
