Parents in Devon feared for children as school bus stopped

Laura Gould, who has two children at Bideford College, said students face single track, brambles, mud, a lack of street lighting, mobile phone reception – and ‘isolation’.

She said: “Having a teenage daughter, it’s scary to think she’ll have to walk alone for a very long period of time with no one around.”

Ms Gould said a school bus had been running to the university since she started running 22 years ago, adding: “I don’t understand why now, when there are more children who need the service, they have decided to stop it.”

Dermot McGeough, councilor for the area, said the road was “not suitable” for walking to school.

He said: “I would like to know where the idea came from.

“As a Devon City Council member, I find it absolutely shocking that Devon City Council treats us with such disrespect.

“This bus should not be pulled away from our children.”

Dr. Claire Ankers, principal of Bideford College and Atlantic Academy, said ensuring children go to school safely is a “top priority”.

She added: “I appreciate parents’ concerns about the recent changes to the Westward Ho bus route! to the school and agree with them that it would be better if the bus continued to drop students off directly at Bideford College.

“I understand that parents have started a petition asking Devon County Council to reconsider their position on this and I hope that the council will be open to listening to the views of the local community on this important issue.”

A council spokesperson said: “Following a recent route assessment we have determined that there is now (a) safe route for a middle-aged child to walk, under supervision.

“As a result, we have written to parents informing them that their child’s transport provision will be withdrawn and letting them know they have the right to appeal.”