Safety fears as school bus service is axed (From Warrington Guardian)

Safety fears as school bus service is axed

SCHOOLCHILDREN in Moulton will be forced to use a new route to school in the New Year - despite concerns about its safety.

They were provided with a free bus service to the County High School, Leftwich, because although the school is within walking distance the journey would involve crossing the dangerous A556.

But now that Cheshire County Council has completed a safe route to the school using an underpass, the free service has been cut. From January, pupils will have to pay for a bus or walk or cycle along the route, which the parish council does not think is safe enough.

Mark Green, chairman of Moulton Parish Council, said: "The parish council view is that the route remains unsafe and we will be doing what we can to inform residents about our concerns and will continue to lobby the county council."

One of the parish council's main fears is that pupils will be using a shared cycle and pedestrian lane along the busy A556, without any railings separating them from the traffic.

Mark said: "Children will be walking or cycling along a 70mph dual carriageway, a yard away from cars travelling at speeds that can kill."

He is also worried that parents have not been properly informed of the change and that, as yet, no signs have been put up directing people along the new route.

A spokeswoman for Cheshire County Council said: "A safety assessment has been carried out and the route meets our requirements.

"The transport co-ordination service has sent out letters to parents and carers of pupils affected and when they return in January, pupils will have the option to continue to catch a bus, walk or cycle."

The paid for bus services, subsidised by the council, will cost 55p for a single from Moulton.

gbebbington@guardiangrp.co.uk