Village schoolchildren not to lose free bus passes

SCHOOLCHILDREN at Croft are not to lose their free bus passes, the borough council has decided.
Talks between the council and local councillor Chris Vobe (pictured) have resulted in the authority dropping a proposal to withdrawn the free bus passes following installation of a new footpath along Wigshaw Lane which meant the route could no longer be regarded as “hazardous.”
Cllr Vobe met with council officers on site – and subsequently received a written assurance from the council that the free passes would be retained for the “foreseeable future.”
The route is used by schoolchildren from Croft travelling to Culcheth High School.
Cllr Vobe said: “We have campaigned for a continuous pavement between the two villages for many years, to provide a safe walking route for the many pedestrians who walk along Wigshaw Lane and Mustard Lane. I am delighted to have been able to ensure that negotiations between the council and local landowners were concluded, and deliver the investment which allowed this to happen.
“I then took officers from the council on a site visit to demonstrate that the free home-to-school transport was still vital for children, since the junction of Glaziers Lane is a “blind bend”.
“We should not expect children to navigate this unaccompanied. Therefore it follows that retaining the free bus service means that parents can be assured that their personal safety is secure, as well as contributing to reduced traffic on the roads at peak times.
“I am very pleased that the council have accepted these arguments and that everyone who uses this route, whether on foot or by bus, can benefit from the best of both worlds.”