Proposals have been drawn up to scrap a special bus pass concession for disabled people travelling in the mornings.

The NoWcard allows passengers aged over 65 or with a disability to travel free of charge on any off-peak local bus service across Lancashire, including in Blackburn with Darwen and Blackpool.

It is part of the nationwide English National Concessionary Travel Scheme which the government has just renewed.

But now Lancashire County Council, which administers the NoWcard across the county, is proposing to axe an extra discount available to some bus pass holders.

As part of its savings package, the authority plans to remove the extra discretionary element to the national scheme which allows disabled person's NoWcard holders to travel before 9.30am Monday to Friday for £1.

The county council, which has paid for this add-on since 2011, is now consulting on the proposal.

County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick, LCC's transport boss, said: "Local authorities across the country are facing considerable financial challenges and uncertainty and we have to make difficult decisions to maintain financial sustainability and resilience.

“The proposals to end the additional discretionary concession for holders of a disabled person’s NoWcard will not affect the core offer.

"We're really keen to hear from people to find out how this might affect them before any decision is made.

"If you use a disabled person's NoWcard, or have friends or family who do, please get in touch and let us know your thoughts on the proposed change."

Following the consultation, a report outlining the results will be presented to the county council’s cabinet for a final decision.

People are being asked to respond to proposals through a short survey which is available online at lancashire.gov.uk/haveyoursay.

The consultation closes on Monday, November 18.

People who need a questionnaire in a different format should telephone 0300 123 6734 or visit the website.