Mr Davidson collected his senior railcard from the council offices in Welshpool on Tuesday, October 7 – the same day Powys County Council board members withdrew the benefit residents over 60-years-old have enjoyed for years.

In the last financial year the council issued 2,475 senior railcards at a cost of £49,500, but as part of the council's latest cost cutting exercise they have withdrawn the service with immediate affect, despite admitting it would be a "very unpopular" decision.

Age Concern Montgom
eryshire today described it as a "huge blow for the older generation."
Andy McVicar, chief officer for Age Concern Montgomeryshire, said: "We have just been informed by the County Times that Powys County Council have withdrawn the concessionary senior railcard and now eagerly await further details.

"This will be a huge blow for the older people in Powys who rely heavily on concessionary travel. Powys is a large isolated rural area and cost of travel is expensive.

"This will be very worrying for the older people who have found their disposable income reduced, many of whom are already suffering from fuel poverty.

"Once more details have been disclosed we will be in discussion with Powys County Council."

Powys County Council has no statutory duty to provide the senior railcard as a travel concession.

Before the decision was made to withdraw the railcard the Welsh Assembly Government informed the council that everyone over the age of 60 (or those who qualify under disability) is entitled to a free fare bus pass and it is therefore at the council's discretion if they offer another travel concession.

Powys County Council's board withdrew the pass because it would have no financial implication on the current transport budget.