THE Epping Forest branch of the Green Party has launched a petition calling for subsidised tube travel for those aged over 60 in the district.

The campaign, which comes on the heels of a separate non-partisan protest by residents last year, argues that older people in Epping Forest should have the same rights as their counterparts in London who do not have to pay for public transport.

Epping Forest District Council has repeatedly said that it cannot afford such a measure, leading the campaign to also demand that the Government increase travel grants to the authority.

Spokesman Steven Neville said: "This a highly important issue that has been overlooked for too long. We want as many people to sign these petitions as possible in Epping Forest.

"We hope this sends a vital message to the council that their current stance is untenable, and to central government that the appetite for funding for such a provision as the Freedom Pass is strong."

The online petition can be viewed via: http://offreedoomeppingforest.blogspot.com/2010/01/freedom-pass-petition.html