CAMPAIGNERS have criticised proposals to revamp concessionary fares in Swindon which would not include free train travel for the elderly.

The council's policy commission last night recommended to the cabinet a scheme which would give elderly people either half price fares or a magnetic card worth £40 for buses, and £60 of travel tokens for the mobility impaired.

But the scheme does not include any concessionary fares for trains, which, according to campaigners, does not give the elderly freedom of choice.

Speaking at the meeting Frank Avenell, of the Fairness for Pensioners Campaign, said: "Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott in his consultation paper on concessionary fares has clearly stated that recipients should be given freedom of choice including travel by rail.

"I wish to protest most strongly against the proposal by Swindon Borough Council to deny concessionary travel by train to elderly people in Swindon.

"Any measure which encourages people to let the train take the strain thereby reducing the number of vehicles on our already crowded roads should be given every encouragement by Swindon Borough Council."

The policy commission's decision came after a special task force was set up to look into concessionary fares.

The task force, which was made up of councillors, looked at one other option, which included a free rail voucher for a senior railcard and a token system of £45 for the mobility impaired, with an eventual increase to £60.

This option was not favoured by the group. The cabinet will be meeting in the next few weeks to discuss the commission's recommendation on concessionary fares.