Walk to school across field and track 'safe route'

A family has been told their children’s free bus passes have been canceled because there is a 3-mile ‘safe route’ to school across fields and an unguarded railway line.

Joe Massey said the decision by Surrey County Council (SCC) left his family feeling “let down” and “frustrated” after his sons’ passes were canceled because the route, which he described as “downright dangerous ”, from South Nutfield to Carrington School in Redhill was found by officials.

The council has written to parents asking children to wear suitable footwear during the walk because the farmer’s field they are passing through is prone to flooding.

Clare Curran, SCC’s cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, said: “Amid a range of challenging financial circumstances, the council is not in a position to continue paying for transport for families as a safe route is built.”

A photo of the unguarded railway crossing that children have to walk over on their way to school — The walk involves walking on an unguarded railway line (Joe Massey)

She explained that an annual public service bus pass costs the council £881 a year for each student, and that Mr Massey’s sons were no longer eligible.

The decision was made by the Surrey Travel & Assessment team together with the Safer Travel team.

Free bus access is normally available for those who live more than 3 miles from the school of their choice, and the suggested walk is 2.8 miles as per the guidelines. Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Massey said he had two boys who would be affected, one in year 10 and the other in year seven.

The family say they were “wading through mud” when they attempted the “unsuitable” hour-long walk, which they say lasts more than three miles.

“It’s downright dangerous,” Massey added.

The father says he is “extremely frustrated” by the situation as “there is no way you would send your child that way.”

“We just feel let down and the option they’ve given us is just incredible.”

The councilor said the family could appeal the decision.

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Walk to school across field and track ‘safe route’

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