The road is incredibly busy and visibility on that single track road is very poor. Even for adults it’s not safe. It’s not like Wantage where you have footpaths and traffic lights.
The Parents and residents of Childrey, are raising concerns about the decision made by Oxfordshire County Council to cut school bus services for local children attending King Alfred's School. This decision, aimed at saving money, has left many children in a precarious situation when it comes to getting to school safely.
"This is a decision made by Oxfordshire County Council to save money that is ultimately risking our children's safety," says one concerned parent. The distance from Childrey to King Alfred's School is less than the statutory three miles required for the council to provide school transport, according to a spokesman from the county council. However, parents argue that the road is dangerous and unsuitable for children to walk along.
The bridleway that has been deemed as a safe walking route to school is tarmacked, but it lacks proper footpaths and traffic lights. Visibility is poor, and the road is known to be busy, posing a serious risk to children who have to walk to school. Parents are worried about their children's safety, particularly during adverse weather conditions or during the winter months when daylight hours are limited.
"We have previously provided a bus for them, but this situation was always subject to review," states the county council spokesperson. However, parents feel that this decision is unacceptable and puts their children in harm's way. They argue that the bridleway does not meet the necessary safety requirements and is not a suitable alternative to a dedicated school bus service.
The situation has sparked a heated debate in Childrey, with parents advocating for the reinstatement of the school bus service. They believe that the council's decision to cut the bus service is short-sighted and disregards the safety of their children.
In response to the county council's statement that the bridleway has been thoroughly inspected and meets national guidelines, parents remain unconvinced. They argue that the real-life conditions and risks that their children face while walking to school along the bridleway are not adequately addressed in these guidelines.
As the summer term approaches, Childrey children will be left with limited options - either to walk along the tarmacked bridlepath or pay for a bus seat that was previously provided for free. Parents are determined to continue advocating for their children's safety and urging the county council to reconsider its decision.
In conclusion, the budget cuts to school bus services in Childrey have raised valid concerns about the safety of children who have to walk to school on a busy road with poor visibility. Parents are worried that this decision compromises the well-being of their children and puts them at risk. They are calling on the county council to prioritize the safety of their children and find a more suitable solution to ensure that they can travel to school safely. It's time to address this issue seriously and find a solution that prioritizes the well-being of our children over budget cuts.
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