Shotley peninsula bus users can use their concessionary passes to catch early morning busses to take advantage of special supermarket openings after Suffolk County Council waived restrictions.

Elderly and disabled peninsula residents can use their concessionary bus passes on the numbers 97 and 92 before 9.30 as the coronavirus epidemic continues.

The local authority working alongside its partners and bus companies, has revealed it is extending its concessionary travel for those with elderly and disabled bus passes as supermarkets make special arrangements for exclusive early morning shopping times for these people.

It comes as supermarket chains Sainsbury's and Iceland decided to open for two hours just so elderly and vulnerable people can shop during the coronavirus outbreak. This move has been introduced in response to panic buying in the shops which saw shelves emptied.

Previously, concessionary travel did not kick in until 9:30 after the morning rush-hour, but in response to coronavirus the local authority is allowing those who have the passes to travel earlier so they can get to the shops to buy food.

Now people can catch the 97, starting opposite the Bristol Arms at 07.25 or 08.23, or the 92 leaving Cattawade at 07.15, stopping at the Brantham Bull, Stutton, Holbrook and Freston before arriving in Ipswich at 08.00. The 98 from Shotley to Holbrook and then into town, will operate tomorrow from 07.50 and we are waiting for confirmation it will continue to run for those who will still be attending Holbrook Academy and concessionary travellers will be allowed to use it too.

The early morning bus passes can be used just to shop at local stores, like Manish's Premier Stores in Shotley, and the Co-ops at Holbrook and Brantham.

Cllr Andrew Reid, Suffolk County Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs, said

"I'm very grateful to our bus companies in Suffolk who have worked with us to extend the use of bus passes on their services before 9.30am.

"This is something that will be extremely helpful during a time when some shops are opening for periods specifically for the older generation and the most vulnerable to support them during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

"This change will come into force tomorrow morning (Friday) and I'm very happy that we have been able to support those in our community during this period of disruption."

There is a possibility bus companies will change their timetable so please check before you travel.