A mother from West Molesey expressed her fears after testing a newly proposed walking route to Esher High School, which was deemed safe by Surrey County Council. The council's decision to end free bus transport for 81 children has raised significant concerns among parents regarding the safety and practicality of the route.
Key Takeaways
- A mother tested a new walking route to Esher High School and found it unsafe.
- Surrey County Council has ended free bus transport for children living within three miles of the school.
- Parents are concerned about the safety of the route, which includes isolated and muddy areas.
Background
Surrey County Council (SCC) recently informed parents that free bus services to Esher High School would be discontinued for 81 children, as they identified a walking route of less than three miles. This decision has sparked outrage among parents, who argue that the route is not safe for children.
The Walking Route
Plamena Naydenova, a concerned parent, tested the route during daylight hours and described it as "dangerous, muddy, and isolated." She reported that the walk took approximately 83 minutes, which she believes is unacceptable for children to undertake twice daily.
Fellow parent Kate Maxwell echoed Naydenova's sentiments, stating that she felt unsafe walking the route as an adult. She highlighted areas where mobile network coverage is lost, further exacerbating safety concerns.
Council's Response
In a letter to parents, SCC maintained that the route was assessed by its safer travel team, which concluded it was safe for accompanied children. The council emphasized that local authorities are not legally required to provide free transport based solely on parents' perceptions of safety.
Councillor Clare Curran, the cabinet member for education, clarified that families are not obligated to use the designated route and can opt for alternative routes or transportation methods.
Community Reaction
The community's reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with many parents questioning the council's judgment. The decision to cut free transport has left families feeling unsupported and anxious about their children's safety.
Conclusion
As the debate continues, parents are left grappling with the implications of the council's decision. The safety of children walking to school remains a pressing concern, and many are calling for a reevaluation of the proposed route to ensure it meets safety standards suitable for young students.
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