ANGRY bus passenger Ian Whalley has been left out of pocket after First Eastern Counties refused to reissue his lost season ticket.Mr Whalley, of Spring Road in Ipswich, uses the ticket to travel to work in Felixstowe - but it is also valid for other bus routes in East Suffolk.

ANGRY bus passenger Ian Whalley has been left out of pocket after First Eastern Counties refused to reissue his lost season ticket.

Mr Whalley, of Spring Road in Ipswich, uses the ticket to travel to work in Felixstowe - but it is also valid for other bus routes in East Suffolk.

He buys a monthly season ticket, which cost £54 on November 13.

However a week later he lost the ticket and tried to obtain a replacement - but was told he would have to buy another season ticket for another £54.

He said: “I think this is sharp practice by First. To use the season ticket I have to produce a photo card which has the issue number on it.

“I couldn't use the ticket fraudulently even if I wanted to.”

Mr Whalley has had a season ticket for five weeks and was not aware that it was not possible to get it replaced if it was lost.

He said: “It might be in the small print on the back of the application form, but it was never drawn to my attention when I bought it. I have now had to spend £108 on bus fares in two weeks.”

A spokesperson for First said: “First has a policy not to reissue lost season tickets without clear proof of purchase and loss.

“Unfortunately, First was forced to introduce this policy in August 2005 due to an increase in incidents of fraudulent claims.

“Customers purchasing season tickets complete an application form, which clearly lists the terms conditions of use. Point nine reads: 'No refunds are given for lost or defaced tickets.'"