A SCHEME to get children to school safely has been axed because not enough parents are interested.
Peel Park Primary School was the first school in Accrington to launch a walking bus scheme in 2002.
Since then, three parents have walked up to 20 children to school each day, but an organiser had to drop out due to work commitments.
It means the initiative is unable to keep running because there is a recommended ratio of one adult for every eight pupils.
One of the organisers, Julie Plummer, of Bold Street, Accrington, is a mother of four.
She said: "We are disappointed that it has got to this stage. The aim of the walking bus was to get our children to school safely, and for it to stop now with the dark nights approaching is sad.
"We have tried to get other parents interested, but for different reasons they cannot help out.
"However, it does not mean we are giving up. We have got some high-visibility equipment for the children to wear on the way to school so motorists will be able to see them clearly.
"The police have been very supportive of us and ideally the walking bus will make a return when we have the help."
Peel Park deputy headteacher Alan Henderson said: "We have just been given health school status.
"To back that up, it is very important for us that pupils are given the opportunity to walk to school rather than being in the back of a car.
"In that respect, the walking bus scheme was very useful and if it cannot be continued it will be sadly missed.
"However, we would welcome any initiative that would keep our pupils safe.
"Child safety is very important at Peel Park as it is at any school."
