Bus pass issue slammed as 'needless bureacracy'

8:30am Friday 5th September 2008

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Johnston pupils are facing a daily three-mile hike after being denied a school bus pass.

Despite Johnston being listed in the official catchment area for Tasker Milward School, council regulations have denied a number of children the pass on the basis they live within a three-mile radius of the school.

Christine Wilkins, whose daughters Rosie and Felicity attend the school, branded the situation ‘ridiculous’.

“My house is exactly 2.94 miles away from the school. It isn’t common sense, it’s needless bureaucracy,” she said.

“This arises every year and every year we are fobbed off. My children actually have to walk past the bus stop they should be waiting at on their way to school.”

Mrs Wilkins, who lives at Brickhurst Park, was also frustrated at the apparent lack of affordable alternatives.

“We’ve applied for concessionary bus passes but have been told no decision will be made until November and in the meantime can use the service bus. This would cost me approximately £30 a week and I simply can’t afford it.”

Paul Absalom, whose daughter Chloe is in year seven, has written several letters to the council regarding the issue but is yet to receive what he calls a satisfactory response.

“I work as a milkman every morning and my wife doesn’t drive. The only routes my daughter can walk to school are along the cycle track, which is almost four miles, or along the busy main road,” he said.

Mr Absalom, who invited council members to walk with the pupils on Tuesday morning, argued the hazardous nature of the route contradicted Government legislation that a school must provide free passes if no safe routes are available.

“Furthermore, the service bus home doesn’t leave until 20 minutes after the school buses, which isn’t ideal for an 11-year-old travelling alone,” he added.

A council spokesman sympathised with the parents but said there simply had to be a cut-off point regarding free transport.

“Historically children from Johnston not eligible for free transport have been provided with concessionary seats.

“There are currently five on our database who are not eligible but they will be considered if seats become available.

“If concessions cannot be given out there is a public service available,” she said.

A spokesman for Tasker Milward school declined to comment.