A LEADING councillor has upset older people by claiming some pensioners are “massively misusing” their new free bus passes.

In an email to a resident, Alan Cottam, regeneration boss at Blackburn with Darwen council, said the scheme had led to a “waste of taxpayers’ money” and should be limited to a fixed number of trips per week.

Older people’s representatives say his comments are “totally inappropriate”.

But speaking today the Tory councillor defended his comments, saying the government’s promise of free bus travel after 9.30am was a “political gimmick” that was leaving councils out of pocket.

And he insisted some over-60s were overusing the service, leaving a £400,000 black hole in his budgets as the council is asked to subside bus companies for the free trips.

He said: “I welcome the general principle, but there are people who go to a different destination every day for a day out.

"And it wasn’t intended to be used this way.

“Last week I met an old lady who had come from Southport, to Chorley, then on to Edgworth.

"She was having a cup of tea then setting off back to Southport. That’s not really what it’s about.”

Each council has been given a set amount by the government to cover the cost of the scheme, but some authorities are reporting shortfalls in their funding levels.

Coun Cottam added: “It will fall on the taxpayers of this borough to make it up.”

He accused the resident, who he said was a Labour Party activist, of “political mischief making”.

Brian Todd, of Blackburn with Darwen Older People’s Forum, said: “I understand the budget problems need to be sorted out, but his interpretation of the scheme is completely wrong.

"It’s not for Coun Cottam to say who should use their bus pass.

“It’s not just meant for essential use - older people are making great use of it.”