The thorny issue of primary school transport in North Lanarkshire has reached the Scottish Parliament.
The Holyrood debate, led by Central Scotland Green MSP Gillian Mackay, saw MSPs discuss the issue for more than an hour on the parliamentary floor.
Campaigning mum Kerry-Anne Ferrie, whose son Sean could be forced over one and a half miles to Cathedral Primary in Motherwell, said: “At the Scottish Parliament, the voice of our children was eventually heard and more importantly respected.
“I am extremely grateful to Ms Mackay for securing the discussion time and representing the concerns of her constituents.
“Ms Mackay has taken the time to walk the proposed safe walking routes with the children impacted and therefore could speak from a place of knowledge regarding the risks that are faced and was able to represent her constituents with conviction.
“We now need North Lanarkshire Council to listen to our concerns and reverse the decision before a further 1,400 children across North Lanarkshire lose their school buses.
“Whilst, the School Transport Guidance of 2021 makes it clear that a local authority is required to have a regard for the safety of children when considering the provision of school transport, the legislation that sets the minimum qualifying mileage dates back to 1980.
“Given the changes in our environment over the last 40 years it is time to revisit and reduce the qualifying mileage and we would urge the Scottish Government to do so and do so as a matter of urgency.”
Green MSP Gillian Mackay agreed with Cathedral Primary parents that the proposed walking route is not safe.
She added: “I walked the proposed route with parents and pupils and the route simply is not safe.
“We passed over extremely busy roads with a large volume of cars passing, it was challenging to get the kids across the pedestrian crossings in the very short periods of time the lights were at red, and there was broken glass on the footpaths.
“I don’t think it’s a route that you’d want small kids to be walking in the dark and certainly, I don’t think it’s one that they themselves want to be walking in the dark.
“These proposed cuts will put children’s safety at risk by packing more cars onto the already crowded streets around school grounds – areas where children are walking and cycling in large numbers.
“It will also increase air pollution and carbon emissions around schools at a time we’re becoming increasingly aware of the damage this can cause. And it will add extra burdens to parents and carers who are already struggling.
“The determination, commitment and continuous campaigning from parents and pupils has been inspiring and I was delighted to host them in Holyrood for my member’s debate.
“I am calling on the Scottish Government and North Lanarkshire Council to do the right thing for children and to reverse the decision for secondary school pupils, commit to protecting the current bus entitlement for primary school pupils and review the national guidance to ensure it is fit for purpose.”
Last month, a cautious welcome was given to the establishment of a working group within North Lanarkshire Council over the thorny school transport issue.
It means there is now an opportunity to revise the criteria before any changes are made to primary school provision next year.
Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson said: “Parents, carers, and pupils have made appeal after appeal to the local authority. My office tried to raise clear safety concerns with the identified walking routes, uncertainty over ASN transport provision, and capacity issues indicated by commercial bus operators.
“All of it has been ignored by this council administration. The SNP group has been fighting against this but the local authority must meaningfully engage with the people who are actually affected by this decision.
“I have walked these routes with pupils. There are busy unmarked crossings and heavy traffic. And that is before the massive Pan Lanarkshire road development linking the M74 and M80 right through Motherwell.
“The consultation process was wholly inadequate and repeated appeals to review the so-called safe walking routes have been roundly ignored.
“Campaigners have been working relentlessly but it shouldn’t have to be this way. The Labour-Tory administration must review these damaging changes to show that child safety is a priority.”
However, in a letter sent to Ms Adamson, the council’s finance convener, Councillor Andrew Duffy-Lawson, spoke out against the MSP’s remarks.
The letter states: “I am reaching out to address the recent Scottish Parliament debate concerning the council’s decision in 2023 to align school transport with statutory guidance levels, which have been supported by your own government.
“During your remarks in the debate, you referenced council budgets and reserve levels. However, it seemed that there may be some misunderstanding regarding local government finance and the intricacies of the budget process.
“This is particularly concerning given your background as a former North Lanarkshire councillor, especially as your government prepares to review local government settlements.
“North Lanarkshire Council is currently facing a significant budget shortfall, projected at approximately £60 million over the next three years, and around £100 million over the next five years.
“I trust you agree that using one-time reserves to cover recurring expenses is not a viable solution.
“I would like to extend an invitation for you to meet with me to discuss the challenges we are encountering in North Lanarkshire, as well as to shed light on some of the pressing budget pressures we face.”
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