Archived decisions

Contact: Andy Berncastle, ext:6389 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 A shorter walking route has been defined between Pamber Heath and The Hurst Community College. Using this, some 15 children stand to lose free transport from January 2006.

2. Background

2.1 Children in Pamber Heath attending The Hurst Community College receive free transport only if they live over three miles from school, in line with current legislation.

2.2 Until earlier this year, the walking distance was measured via the route shown with thin dashes in Appendix 2.

2.3 However, officers have now concluded that an available walking route is as shown by the dotted line in Appendix 2. This route is used by children living between Pamber Heath and The Hurst Community College. For consistency of policy across the county, this route was used to determine entitlement to free transport from September 2005. It is 0.28 miles (448 metres) shorter.

2.4 Parents of some 15 children currently receiving free transport, but no longer entitled, were given the normal one term's notice in the summer, effective from 1 January 2006. Three parents have appealed, on the basis that their houses have not moved. Correspondence is attached at Appendix 3 (confidential).

3. The Appeal

3.1 The routes are as shown in Appendix 2. Officers consider that there are no insuperable difficulties which make the dotted route not available for secondary-age pupils walking to and from school. This route includes about 200 metres of well-surfaced footpath through woodland. This is a public right of way.

3.2 Parents have the option to accompany children to school, or promote cycling if the fare-paying bus service is considered too expensive.

4. Conclusion

4.1 Officers consider that an available walking route exists between Pamber Heath and The Hurst Community College, as shown by the dotted line on Appendix 2. Members will have had the opportunity to inspect this. The County Council's position is that, under the criteria, the walking route is available.

4.2 It is for members to consider, following the guidance set out in paragraph 2.13 of Appendix 1:

(i) whether the nature of the route, or an alternative route, means that it is available for children if unaccompanied: and

(ii) if the answer to (i) is no, whether the route is available if accompanied.

4.3 If the answer to (ii) is yes, separate consideration by the Education Department would be given to any representations by parents or carers who are unable to accompany their children by virtue of individual circumstances.

9321/AB