Today, a significant milestone was achieved in the Chailey/Barcombe community’s ongoing efforts to ensure safe and accessible transportation for our children.
A petition titled “Can we have our children’s bus passes back, please” garnered over 1,000 signatures and was formally presented to Chairman of the Council, Roy Galley, by Charlotte Strong at Full Council.
The initiative has been strongly supported by Green Party Councillors Joa Saunders and Mark Slater, of Chailey, Barcombe and Hamsey and County Councillor Matthew Milligan, reflecting the collective concern of parents and residents regarding the recent revocation of bus passes for students residing within a three-mile radius of Chailey School.
The withdrawal of these passes has raised serious safety issues. Children from areas such as Chailey, Spithurst, Barcombe, East Chiltington, Streat, Plumpton Green, and Hamsey are now expected to navigate routes lacking sidewalks and adequate lighting, including hazardous roads and unlit, flooded woodland paths. Parents have voiced their apprehensions, emphasizing the dangers posed by these conditions. Charlotte Strong has been relentless in her efforts to have Town Littleworth Road formally assessed, saying that it is a road where vehicles often travel at high speeds, making pedestrian safety a critical concern.
The petition received fierce backing from local parents. Councillor Saunders noted that the reduction in bus passes contributes to increased traffic congestion, as more parents are compelled to drive their children to school, exacerbating existing transportation challenges. Furthermore, Helen Key, Head Teacher of Chailey School, underscored the importance of reliable school transport, pointing out that the alternative pedestrian routes are neither safe nor practical for students.
In response, East Sussex County Council has stated that transportation support is provided when there is no available route under three miles that a child can walk safely, accompanied by a responsible adult if necessary. They assert that existing routes have been assessed using national road safety guidelines, aligning with Department for Education standards. However, families affected by this policy change continue to advocate for a reassessment, stressing that the current walking routes do not offer the safety and accessibility that their children deserve.
The presentation of this petition signifies a unified community striving for the well-being of its younger members. It is a call to action for local authorities to reconsider the transportation policies affecting our students, ensuring that their journey to education is secure and feasible.
#eastsussexcountycouncil #barcombe #schoolbuspasses