RESIDENTS in South Durham have complained that a new concessionary bus pass scheme could leave pensioners worse off.

Because the county concessionary fare scheme excludes Darlington, pensioners coming into the town will have to pay full price for travel.

The scheme came into effect on Saturday across Durham and Darlington as part of a national initiative.

The seven district councils in County Durham have joined together to allow free travel across the county.

However, this does not include Darlington Borough Council and pensioners outside Darlington will not be eligible for free travel within the borough.

One Sedgefield resident said it could lead to many pensioners losing the half-fare travel they had previously.

The woman, who asked not to be named, said: "A lot of pensioners come into Darlington at the weekend.

"Some of them go into the town centre and then on to the Morrisons at Morton Palms. They used to get there for half fare and now some of them might not have the money."

The scheme applies to everyone over 60 and those who are registered disabled.

A spokesman for Sedgefield Borough Council said that under the new scheme people travelling into Darlington would be eligible for free fares.

However, once they were in town they would have to pay the full fare.