Council dicing with kids’ safety
MP and councillors hit out at school bus axe plan
Council bosses are putting Wishaw kids at risk by forcing them to walk across ‘dangerous’ roads daily on their way to school - according to the town’s MP.
Parents of St Thomas’ Primary School pupils received letters last week informing them that the free school transport would be cut in June 2018 after a new walking route was deemed safe by council staff.
Families in Wishawhill were first informed of these plans in April, however they were awarded temporary transport whilst the walking route was assessed.
Councillors fought to put on a free bus for the pupils, who were moved to St Thomas’ after St Matthew’s in Wishawhill was closed seven years ago.
They are now hitting back at NLC’s latest decision claiming children’s lives are being put at risk in a bid to save money.
SNP MP Marion Fellows said: “I am appalled that after seven years North Lanarkshire Council is withdrawing privilege transport access from children in Wishawhill.
“Pupils from St Thomas’ Primary will have to cross Netherton Street – one of the busiest streets in Wishaw. Its proximity to Wishaw General makes it even more dangerous.
“Emergency ambulances use that route all the time.
“Even if a crossing patrol is in place, this should not be described as a safe walking route.
“North Lanarkshire Council’s cynical move to save money whilst putting children at risk must not be allowed.
“They must think again and I will be writing to council leader Jim Logue to ask that he does so.”
Motherwell South East and Ravenscraig Councillor Agnes Magowan said: “Considering the increase in traffic from 2010 the parents’ concerns are very legitimate.
“I am very supportive of children walking to school but certainly not on such a dangerous route where they need to cross the Heathery Roundabout. “This needs more thought.” Councillor Alan Valentine added: “I am hugely concerned to learn from parents that this privileged transport is being removed.
“I was at the meeting in 2010 where this transport was agreed following the closure of St Matthew’s Primary School.
“At that point there was no safe walking routes identified. Now seven years on suddenly there are three routes deemed safe.
“Myself and my SNP colleagues will fight against these decisions taken without consultation with the local communities involved.
“The safety of our children has to be
WHY I LOVE WISHAW I am hugely concerned this privilege transport is being removed . . .