Decision to remove free school transport for South Milton children appalling says local Liberal Democrat

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 4th Sep 2003

The decision by Devon County Council to remove the right to free travel to Kingsbridge Community College for students living in South Milton has been condemned as appalling by Totnes Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson, Mike Treleaven. The situation has arisen because of the move of Kingsbridge Community College to one site, which reduces the distance that South Milton children travel to under the cut off point of 3 miles necessary for free transport.

Commenting on the decision Mike Treleaven said:

' The County Council set up these arbitrary rules for determining eligibility for free transport but do not seem to take sufficient account of local circumstances. True, the students now live within the 3 mile limit, but to walk to school by the route suggested takes them through narrow lanes without lighting or pavements and far from any houses. I used to live in this village and would certainly not have wanted my kids walking to and from school along these roads, particularly on dark winter days. The County Council have offered places on the bus which travels to Kingsbridge anyway, but at a cost of £80 per term. If you have several children at the school this can mount up to a considerable sum - for one family it could mean over £700 per year.'

He continued:

'The parents involved have appealed against the decision and I would urge the County Council to examine this case in more detail, recognise the genuine problems in imposing this decision and have a change of heart'