Travel permits for older people, now called Freedom Passes, expire at the end of March.

Richmond Council, which provides funding for the passes, will be issuing new ones to borough residents during February and March.

To find out where and when to renew the permits, users can pick up a leaflet at Richmond Council offices and mobile council offices, as well as day centres and most libraries. The same places can also provide application forms.

Richmond Council will be issuing the new Freedom Passes in different weeks, depending on the first letter of the user's surname.

People with surnames from A to C will be first, in the week of February 2.

To get new passes, users will need to bring with them a completed application form and documents that provide their name, age and address.

If they have an old permit and the photocard that goes with it, they should bring a passport style photo if they have not already got a photocard.

The passes will be issued in the following weeks:

A to C week beginning February 2

D to F February 9

G to J February 16

K to M February 23

N to P March 2

Q to T March 9

U to Z March 16

Anyone who misses their week will be issued week beginning March 23. To find out more, telephone 0181 894 5544.

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