Carers for disabled people in Maidstone have been told they can now reapply for free bus passes.

The announcement marks the final victory for the Kent Messenger’s Don’t Make Them Pay campaign.

The companion passes scheme offers free bus travel to carers who accompany disabled people on their journeys.

It was viewed as a vital element of the council’s former travel voucher scheme for disabled people, which was scrapped in April by the then Liberal Democrat-led Maidstone council.

The Tories pledged to reinstate the scheme when they were re-elected in May, with help from Age Concern.

But the first draft of their new scheme did not include companion passes.

Now, after lobbying by Lib Dem and Independent councillors and disabled people, the passes have been restored.

Disabled people who receive high-rate mobility or attendance benefits will be able to apply for a pass, which can be used by anyone who accompanies them as a carer.

Clive Cheeseman, public transport officer at Maidstone council, explains: “To help get the scheme going we’ve written to everyone who had a companion pass between April 2007 and March this year. We’re inviting them to re-apply for a pass and the scheme is open to new people as well.”

It follows confirmation of the new travel voucher scheme, for people who are unable to use bus services.

The vouchers can be used for free taxi journeys or trips on some charity-run transport schemes.

They are only available to people who do not hold a free bus pass. Under the scheme, people would receive £70 worth of vouchers to cover transport for a year.

Council leader Cllr Chris Garland (Con) said: “This scheme allows the council to help those most in need of our help.”

For information about companion passes call 01622 602334.

For details of the voucher scheme contact Age Concern Maidstone at 11 Mill Street, Maidstone, ME15 6XW, call 01622 753618 or email info@ageconcernmaidstone.org.uk