Pensioner pressure has forced Cherwell District Council to review its bus pass start time.

When the new national free bus pass scheme for the over-60s came into force in April, Cherwell decided passes could only be used from 9.30am, in line with the national scheme. Previously, under its own concessionary scheme, the start time was 9am.

The change prompted calls from Age Concern, which collected a 300-name petition, Kidlington Parish Council and residents for the 9am start to be reinstated.

The council executive has agreed to reconsider the issue in September when figures from the previous six months will be available, but has warned that council tax payers would have to pay for the change.

Age Concern's Christine Witcher said: "The feelings are very strong that the most vulnerable people were really going to suffer by not being able to get on the bus until after 9.30am.

"I will be really disappointed if they review the figures and say no."

George Reynolds, Cherwell's portfolio holder responsible for administering the scheme, said: "The executive has listened to the letters and the petition from residents listing their concerns.

"We have agreed to review the scheme as soon as we are able. However, we need to gather more information from bus companies to gauge accurately the costs involved of changing the start time and whether this would be practical as well as feasible, bearing in mind all the extra finance would have to be found from taxpayers - many of whom are struggling with rising costs of food and fuel."

Cherwell has estimated that changing the start time could cost it £100,000 a year - on top of the £400,000 the scheme costs it after Government subsidy.

It says that could mean a council tax rise of £1.99 for Band D homes.

A petition with 1,000 signatures was handed in to the Vale of the White Horse District Council after it imposed similar restrictions. Oxford City, and West and South Oxfordshire district councils fund a 9am start.