Saturday, 04 September 2010

Threat to free Workington footbridge bus service

Children living less than three miles walking distance away from their school on the north side of the River Derwent could see the free bus service cancelled next term.

Cumbria County Council is proposing to stop picking up children who do not live outside the three-mile radius to take them to the new footbridge.

Instead parents are being asked to take their children by foot, public transport or car to the bridge. The council is also urging parents to think about car sharing.

The bus on the south side of the river, which picks the children up after walking over the Barker Crossing footbridge, will still be in place.

All secondary school children will still be able to travel free of charge on the buses, provided by the county council, until the end of term.

And all of those children entitled to free transport, those who live more than three miles walking distance from school and those with Special Educational Needs, will still be able to use the service in January.

A public meeting will be held on Tuesday at St Paul’s Church in Seaton at 7pm for parents to give their views on the proposals before a final decision is taken on Thursday.

Have your say

Is it just me being cynical.If the Council had said they were going to charge fares for the bus,there would be an uproar.
They can now say the bus can continue if fares are paid,and everyone thinks commonsence has prevailed and everyone is happy.

Posted by Stephen NC on 15 December 2009 at 10:29

Christopher, perhaps the children could wear a waterproof jacket, it's what I wear when it rains, they're designed to keep the rain off you and I believe they are sold in Workington - of course as Mike says you are in a EMERGENCY ZONE and should of course be given them free of charge.
Mark, Tesco are thinking about making money and stopping people travelling North, if they had a store in Maryport they would never have shown any interest in a temporary store. Also our pavements did not see any grit over the weekend when it was icy but then the council never comes out with grit for them so why should a bridge get special treatment, if it's icy try suggesting to people that they should take extra care on it.

Posted by Graeme on 14 December 2009 at 21:55

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