Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Storm brewing over bus threat

Michelle McKenna
27/ 4/2006

PLANS to axe a number of school bus services in Hyndburn are set to spark a wave of protest.

The threatened cuts have already come under fire from council leader Peter Britcliffe who has vowed to write a letter of objection to Lancashire County Council.

It was revealed this week that services to both secondary and primary schools in the borough are under threat as part of financial cutbacks.

Speaking at a Hyndburn Council meeting this week, Councillor Britcliffe said: "I am sure you will all back me in my intention to write to the county council deploring the fact that these services are under threat. I say this as a green Conservative.

"One of the major problems we have at the moment is the number of cars on the road at school times and the problems they cause outside school gates.

"The school bus is one thing that cuts down on the number of cars in that vicinity."

The county council is considering withdrawing the services from Laneside to Peel Park Primary and St Anne's and St Joseph's RC Primary Schools; from Oswaldtwistle to Mount Carmel RC Science College, Accrington; from Richmond Road and Pendleton Avenue, Accrington, to The Hollins Technology College; and from Rishton to St Christopher's High School, Accrington.

Four non-commercial bus services covering Barnfield, Accrington to Blackburn hospitals, Accrington to Spring Hill and Baxenden to Asda, Accrington, are also being considered for the chop as part of the cutbacks.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "As part of the consultation we would urge passengers, as well as local residents, to get involved and provide their views. The consultation runs until 12 May but there is still plenty of time for residents to give their opinions on possible changes to local bus services."