DELIVERY OF NEW CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL PASSES

0045/lc

31 March 2008

The authority along with several other Cheshire local authorities are experiencing difficulties in issuing the new passes for the nationwide concessionary travel scheme as from 1 April 2008.  This has been due to a delivery failure of the passes by the contractor employed by Cheshire County Council on behalf of the whole County.  Matters to resolve the breach of contract are being handled by Cheshire County Council direct with the contractor.

Only Macclesfield, Congleton and Warrington have received travel passes prior to the scheme inception.   Jenny Cross, Director of Treasury & Corporate Support stated, “it is understandable that our customers who supplied their data and photographs between September – October 2007 have expressed their annoyance that the passes have not arrived on time.  It is also particularly frustrating for officers who have worked especially hard to ensure that all the deadlines imposed upon us were met”.

Officers have been notifying customers to retain their existing travel passes which remain valid for travel within Cheshire until 30/09/08. Anyone who does not hold an existing pass and  those wishing to travel outside the Cheshire Area can contact the concessionary travel line on 01270 537222 or visit the reception points at Delamere House in Crewe and the Customer Service Centre in Nantwich where a temporary pass can be issued.

Senior management would like to thank customers for their patience and understanding and hope to the matter is resolved imminently.

COUNCIL CONTACT:  Lisa Carr – Acting Communications & Performance Manager

TELEPHONE:  01270 537037

EMAIL:  lisa.carr@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk

For Media enquiries contact:
Ian Richardson - 01270 537018

news.views@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk