Education boss dismisses bus pass plea

A plea by a group of families to give their children bus passes to attend an East Sussex school has been dismissed.

Bob Standley, lead member for education at East Sussex County Council, made his decision after considering a petition backing passes for the Chailey School pupils.

Six students living in Town Littleworth Road, near Barcombe, had either lost or been turned down from receiving school bus passes, the petition said.

The council denied that the decision was result of a "new policy" or "cost-cutting exercise", and said children did not receive passes if safe walking routes to school were available.

The petition had been signed by over 1,000 people by Monday, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Charlotte Strong, whose children have been impacted by the decision, said: "I wouldn't want to walk that route twice a day on my own, let alone [while] accompanying my children."

Rachel Gilmore, another parent, said they were not consulted on the matter.

"Cars drive past really fast and there is no pavement or step up," Ms Gilmore added.

In support of the petition, a number of councillors expressed concerns over safety and the potential increase in car drop offs.

Councillor Standley said guardians were responsible for school transportation and said there was a "logistical challenge" to changing the rules.

He said the decision could be appealed by the families.

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