Pupils could be forced to change schools, says Clayton head teacher (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Pupils could be forced to change schools, says Clayton head teacher

1:39pm Saturday 11th July 2009

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Angry parents have signed a petition against the closure of bus services for primary schools in Bradford.

Metro, the West Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority, has told parents at seven schools in the Bradford district that it will withdraw its MyBus scheme at the end of this term because it has proved uneconomic.

But parents at Clayton C of E Primary, St Anthony’s Primary and Clayton Village Primary claim the yellow bus service is popular with pupils and a lifeline to working parents.

Diane Thomas, who has two children at Clayton C of E Primary, is collecting signatures to fight Metro’s decision as her children may have to leave the school if the service closes. So far 20 parents have signed her petition.

She said: “MyBus has made our lives so much easier. It’s such a good service for working families. They have just dumped this on us and walked away.”

Speaking on behalf of the three schools, Mike Harrison, head at Clayton C of E Primary School, said he was concerned at the timing of the announcement that services will end, as it gave them little time to make alternative arrangements before the summer holidays.

He said: “What’s worried us is it’s got a real direct effect on some of our children being able to get to school.

“I have got children where there is a real risk that they will have to find a new school for September, which in this part of Bradford is nigh on impossible as all the schools are full. Because we have worked so hard with MyBus this has come as a bolt out of the blue.”

But Metro chairman Councillor Ryk Downes said the S9 and S10 services, which are used by pupils at the schools, carried on average six and 12 children respectively on each journey.

He said: “In addition, a recent review of health and safety standards identified the need for an escort on the buses, which would increase the level of public subsidy to an unacceptable level.

“Although these services are undoubtedly valued by users, Metro’s repeated efforts to increase usage have not succeeded in attracting more passengers.

“Metro is, however, aware of users’ concerns and is reviewing the situation to see if there are other ways of meeting customer needs.”

Coun Downes said the announcement had been timed to give parents nine or ten weeks in which to make alternative arrangements.

e-mail: hannah.baker@telegraphandargus.co.uk

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