Roxton parents write to deputy PM

CONCERNED parents have written to the deputy prime minister in a bid to highlight their school bus concerns.

The free school bus from Roxton to Alban Academy was axed by Bedford Borough Council at the end of October half term – despite the fact that no money was saved.

The council has said that the decision was made to ensure equality across the county and that the route is safe if walked with an adult. But Roxton parents say the route is too dangerous for their middle school children.

They have now written to MP Nick Clegg.

The letter, written by Jean McDougall, Angie Foster and Julie Cox, says: “While we appreciate the need to make savings in this economic climate the horrific truth is our bus has been cut with out any savings being made at all by the local authority, putting rural families in a unique position.

“Whilst we have challenged the decision numerous times in full council meetings and executive meetings, with the local authority admitting there are no savings to be made, they stand buy their original decision to withdraw Roxton’s school bus.

“We are worried about the impact on the rural community, forcing parents to give up work to walk children six miles a day and the parents twelve miles taking five hours just to do the school run, while the school bus passes them in order to collect children from other rural villages.”

They have requested a meeting with Nick Clegg and are awaiting a reply.