Parents demand school bus U-turn
HUNDREDS of people have signed a petition calling on council chiefs to reverse the decision to slash the free school bus service in East Dunbartonshire.
Angry parents say more than 1,100 school children will be affected by the cost-cutting move.
The petition has been handed over to the local authority ahead of the next full council meeting on Thursday, April 22.
From August, only primary pupils living more than two miles and secondary pupils living more than three miles from their schools will be eligible for the free bus service.
Parents fear the decision will put children's lives at risk and create increased traffic congestion throughout East Dunbartonshire.
Bishopbriggs parent Angus MacFadyen, who launched the online petition, said: "The support from local people has been fantastic.
"It underlines how angry people are at this outrageous decision.
"We all understand and accept the need for cuts, however, small children are the last people East Dunbartonshire Council should be targeting."
Nearly 300 people signed the petition.Like many parents Mr MacFadyen is concerned about child safety and has called on the council to reverse the decision.
Jo Swinson, the Lib Dem candidate for East Dunbar-tonshire in the forthcoming General Election, has also supported the petition and called on councillors to back a motion going before the full council that would allow the bus service to be reinstated.
She said: "It is fantastic to see so many parents and their children standing up to the council on this matter of huge importance.
"I am encouraging as many people as possible to attend the council meeting on April 22, to show their support for this campaign.
"I would urge anyone concerned about this issue to write to their local councillor and ask them to support the motion. Local parents have done a brilliant job collecting signatures and I amhopeful that people power will win the day."
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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