Cllr Jewell Blasts School Bus Cuts

12.00.00am GMT Mon 12th Mar 2007

Commenting on the decision of CC Tony Martin to axe school bus services in Preston and across the County, Cllr Mark Jewell said, "These cuts are a disgrace. They put children at risk and add to pollution and congestion".

Based on information obtained by the Freedom of Information Act, Cllr Jewell highlighted that, "since the price hike in fares, one in three students in Preston are now not using the school bus service compared to a year ago. The price hike in fares by CC Tony Martin served it's purpose of withdrawing services due to lack of usage, whereas before some of the contracts were well used.

Many parents now use their cars because they simply cannot afford to send their children to school by bus or have safety concerns".

Cllr Jewell further commented, "Although revenues have increased, more money will be needed to taxi students to and from school, as well as greater spending on our roads due to increase congestion.

This decision does nothing to promote Preston's Safer, Cleaner, Greener agenda".