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Students turned away from school buses
A school bus service is in disarray after students were told they would not be able to use it.
Some Stratton Upper students who live outside the school’s catchment area are now unable to use the service – even if there are seats available.
Central Beds Council has changed contractors and new operators Cozy Travel are now turning away Potton youngsters who do not have pre-paid passes.
A small number of termly passes were available to buy over the summer, but students who do not have one now need to make alternative arrangements.
Parent Debra Baker, who has a 13-year-old daughter at Stratton said: “Our daughter has previously had to pay a small fee to use the bus every day, which is fine as we are in Potton.
“But now she cannot use the bus even if there is a free seat. We only have one car which my husband needs for work, so we have had to rely on relatives to give her lifts.”
Stratton Upper headteacher Rob Watson said: “This obviously creates a significant problem for the students.
“The changes have also been poorly handled by the local authority.
“Neither the school nor the parents were made aware of these new regulations until just before the start of term.
“We are liaising with parents and hope we can come to a solution. There are regular updates on the school website.”
Mr Watson said the council’s plans to axe all school bus services for sixth-form students from September next year are also a concern.
Central Beds Councillor Adam Zerny, who has been advising the parents affected said: “I am appalled the council has left parents and local schools in this situation.”
Councillor Mark Versallion, executive member for children’s services at Central Beds Council said: “The council is working with the school to find an acceptable solution to support those children who are not entitled to transport within the new post 16 transport policy.”
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Weather for Biggleswade
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North west
