ESSEX councillors are lobbying Government ministers over a feared £8million cash shortfall for a new free bus travel scheme.

Local authorities across the country say they will struggle to meet the cost of the national scheme, which is expected to be rolled out in April next year.

Currently, pensioners can travel free locally, but will soon be able to travel the breadth of the country.

Councils, however, say money earmarked for the scheme is insufficient and are lobbying the Government to put more money into it.

Present estimates show Essex council taxpayers will have to find an additional £8 million in the next financial year.

The leaders of the 12 district councils in the county, along with Essex County Council and Southend Council, will present the case to transport minister Rosie Winterton.

They will be seeking assurances that local taxpayers will not be penalised when the national scheme is introduced.

The group will also make it clear that costs must be fully funded through grants.

Pam Challis, Tory leader of Castle Point Council and chairman of the Essex Leaders' Group, said: "The Government has clearly failed to anticipate the popularity of the scheme and its consequent cost."

Rochford District Council Tory leader Terry Cutmore said: "This is another example of the Government underestimating the costs of a national initiative and leaving local authorities to pick up the bill."