Pupil parents’ anger as bus is cancelled
PARENTS are up in arms after it was announced that a school bus service is to cease serving their village.
Up until two weeks ago, two dedicated buses ran through Helmshore to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School (BRGS).
One of them - a single decker - has now been scrapped, provoking complaints of overcrowding on the remaining double decker service.
But now operator Rothwells Super Travel has announced that the double decker will no longer pick up pupils in Helmshore after next month’s half term holiday.
The bus company and the Waterfoot school insist that it is possible for pupils to get to school on time using public transport, but parents are not convinced.
Miles Holt, whose daughter is in Year 9, said: “Rothwells are saying the bus is over capacity and cannot provide another bus. The school are allowing Rothwells to walk away from the Helmshore route.”
Sue Mason, whose two children are in Year 7 and Year 10 and currently catch the bus from Rawtenstall, said the service is already plagued with problems.
She said: “The bus either turns up late, or it doesn’t turn up at all, or it comes and it’s not letting children on.
“Yesterday the driver said he only had space to let one child on.
“I’ve paid £380 for their two bus passes this term, and since school started three weeks ago I’ve had to take them in 10 times. It’s a joke.”
Hayley Mahoney, whose children are in Years 8 and 11, added: “It will get worse after half term, as more kids will be trying to get on the already overcrowded public buses.”
Lynne Michaels, of Rothwells, said: “We confirm we have had to cancel the additional service from BRGS to Helmshore due to a shortage of vehicles/drivers.
“It is our understanding that there is public transport available from Helmshore to the school which would get students to school on time.”
Headteacher Alan Porteous said they are working hard to find alternative solutions for pupils.
He said: “I understand parents’ concerns and share their frustrations.
“I was advised that they were unable to provide the single decker vehicle or a driver on a consistent basis and there is insufficient capacity on the double decker for all the students wishing to travel.
“However, it is possible to get to school on time by using existing public transport routes.”