A SERIES of four drop-in sessions are being held next month as part of the consultation exercise into Warrington Borough Council’s controversial review of home to school transport
Residents are being invited to go along to any of the events to learn more about the council’s proposals to change the eligibility criteria for the service.
If implemented, the review would mean free bus travel to school would end for hundreds of children.
Pupils who attend faith schools, those who attend community schools more than the statutory walking distance from their homes when there are places available at a nearer school and those attending special schools who have no medical need for transport would be affected.
Officers estimate the council would save about £114,000 in the first year, assuming the changes were introduced in September next year.
The meetings are on the following dates at the following locations:
Monday Sept 10: The Gateway, Ground Floor Exhibition Area; 3.30-7pm.
Tuesday Sept 11: Winwick Leisure Centre, Main Hall; 3.30 -7pm.
Wednesday Sept 12: Penketh High School, Cinema Room; 3.30-7pm.
Thursday September 13: Cardinal Newman RC High School, Auditorium; 3.30-7pm.
The sessions form part of an overall consultation which will run until Wednesday, Sept 26.
The draft new policy and consultation paper is available in full on the council website www.warrington.gov.uk or as a hard copy from 01925 442938 or email [email protected]
Residents can also respond by writing to School Transport Consultation, Admissions and Transport Team, Children and Young Peoples Services Directorate, New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2NJ
Meanwhile, protest group the Say No Campaign have met Warrington South MP David Mowat, who promised to write to the council to question points raised by the campaign and to pass on their concerns.
The campaign presented Mr Mowat with documents drawn up by members covering key areas of concern following a recent public meeting attended by more than 40 families.
These include an unfair consultation process – during the summer holidays – discrimination by the council which would force some children to attend a faith school, health and safety, feeder school policies and financial implications.
The council says the changes would bring Warrington into line with other councils who have already decided to make provision only when there is a legal obligation to do so.
A SERIES of four drop-in sessions are being held next month as part of
the consultation exercise into Warrington Borough Council's
controversial review of home to school transport
Drop-in session on school bus cuts
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
