Coronavirus: Concessionary bus pass use extended to all day in Portsmouth to help vulnerable residents

Usually bus pass holders can only access free travel after 9.30am, however, concerns were raised that this meant they would be missing out on early morning supermarket shopping.

As of March 20 this time restriction will be removed for any journeys starting in Portsmouth.

Council leader, Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson, said: 'We understand that many residents will have concerns, especially those who are living alone.

'We're doing everything we can to maintain our essential services during this difficult period and to provide additional support to those who need it.'

It comes after some shops announced they would allocate early opening hours to older residents only.

Both moves were welcomed by Steve Bonner, chairman of the Pompey Pensioners Association. He said: 'Members are reporting that they have been to supermarkets and found the shelves completely empty.

'With this in mind we welcome the early opening hours and extending the bus pass is clearly going to help that.

'This will help a lot of people out.

'We also know that the bus companies are carrying out much deeper cleans on the buses to make them safer.

'If anyone is vulnerable or alone and needs help the Pompey Pensioners are here for them.'

Contact phone numbers for the Pompey Pensioners Association can be found on their website pompeypensioners.org.uk.