Minister asks Herefordshire Council to Think Again on School Bus Cuts

12.15.52pm GMT Mon 20th Dec 2004

A Government Minister has asked Herefordshire Council to think again over its plans to scrap places for non church pupils on buses going to Church Schools. The move in the House of Commons last Thursday was prompted by local Lib Dem MP Paul Keetch who made an intervention in a debate on the School Transport Bill.

Mr Keetch spoke during an amendment to the Bill on how local education authorities should consult over changes to school transport. He criticised the Conservative controlled council for failing to give adequate notice of the proposed changes.

"As a result, parents have only a couple of weeks to find a new school, which would be disruptive for their children in the run-up to GCSEs, or find alternative means of transport, which could result in round-trip journeys of up to 30 miles, which is bad for the environment and the already congested streets of my constituency."

Responding, Stephen Twigg MP told the House that the council should have consulted more widely. On the day he was promoted to School Standards Minister following changes in Government after the resignation of David Blunkett, Mr Twigg said he was "disappointed" with Herefordshire Council.

"When school transport changes are proposed, it is vital that consultation occurs," he said.

"I encourage Herefordshire LEA to reconsider the matter and perhaps more importantly, fully to consult parents and others in Herefordshire on the proposals."

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