Parents to make final appeal to Hampshire County Council to save buses

Parents, grandparents and councillors have been fighting against plans by Hampshire County Council to cut buses running from the village to Henry Beaufort School, Harestock. The council plans to end the service in April.

On Mother’s Day, Sunday, March 15, mums from the school joined forces to walk the alternative route proposed by HCC. They were joined by concerned dads and children who would be affected by the cancellation of the services, as well as local councillors.

The route involves crossing the junction of Springvale Road and Down Farm Lane, as well as walking on several unmade roads. Parents have warned that the route, which takes more than an hour, is unsafe.

This walk occurred as 12 parents of Henry Beaufort pupils in Kings Worthy prepare to make a formal appeal to HCC on Friday, March 20, to stop the bus cuts.

One of the parents, Amy Nichols, said that she “had enjoyed” the walk, but that “safety concerns are still real”.

Parents and children walking from Kings Worthy to Henry Beaufort School (Image: Cllr Jackie Porter)

Cllr Jackie Porter (Lib Dem for Itchen Valley) was on the walk. She said: “I have continually challenged the County to review this route for safety in all weathers and lights. A portion of the walk is through muddy ground, and an even greater length is unlit or poorly lit. Crossing Springvale Road on the bend is dangerous. I am appalled that the Conservative County Council acknowledge concerns of the route, but won't commit to carrying out any of their suggested schemes to improve safety.

“And we are still unsure if part of the route will actually be available. I appeal to the County Council to think again.”

Cllr Porter also criticised the appeal process, saying that “The Appeal process has been very badly run by Hampshire County Council, and a representative of the parents has already spoken to the Local Government Ombudsman about their case. From an FOI, the Conservative run County Council tell us that this will save £300K per year if they stop these buses.

“But this decision will also affect the pockets of parents, adding to the cost of learning as well as the cost of living .”

The MP for Winchester, Dr Danny Chambers (Lib Dem), has also become involved in the battle over the bus services.

He has presented a petition to Parliament signed by 500 parents, calling for the government to review the decision.

He said: “I rise to present a petition on behalf of over 500 of my constituents who call on the Government to urgently review the removal of school transport for children attending Henry Beaufort College in my constituency of Winchester. This is a matter of deep concern for many local families, who have been tireless in their campaign to see this decision overturned.

“Under the current changes, children as young as 11 are expected to walk up to three miles - over an hour - on dangerous roads to get to school.  The petitioners therefore requests that the House of Commons urges the Government to work with Hampshire County Council to ensure that the school bus service from Kings Worthy to Henry Beaufort School is continued.”

As previously reported, an independent report has been carried out on the alternative route, which has found it to not be safe.

Children have also warned that walking the route will not allow them to join in with extracurricular or after-school activities, with some also saying it will impact their ability to socialise with friends and enjoy school life.