Free buses for school says MP

Jun 24 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Wednesday

ASSURANCES are being sought over transport arrangements to St Modan’s High School.

Stirling MP Anne McGuire wants clarification from Stirling Council that school transport to the new school site will not be changed for pupils moving to the secondary school after the summer holidays.

The Labour MP said she was acting after a number of parents contacted her with their concerns that new pupils living within a two mile radius of the school would not be eligible for free school transport as is the case with pupils currently attending the school.

Mrs McGuire said: “The school’s location, in a commercial and semi-industrial area, means there is a limited bus service.

“In addition, the fact that it is on the periphery of the city near main traffic routes would cause alarm to many parents if pupils were forced to walk to the school.

“I am therefore seeking assurances from the SNP-administration at Stirling Council that they honour the existing commitment for special transport provisions and that all pupils will be eligible for free school transport.”

The issue is set to be raised at a meeting of Stirling Council tomorrow (Thursday).

Labour councillors Margaret Brisley and Colin O’Brien submitted a motion asking that the council “resolve to continue the transport policy that was agreed in 2007 in relation to St Modan’s High School, namely children will receive free transport where the distance from home to school exceeds two miles by the shortest available safe route.”