Parents claiming campaign victory after axed bus route is replaced

CAMPAIGNING parent's whose children were told to bring torches and walk across unlit heathland by Surrey County Council have won a long-fought victory after it was announced that axed school buses would be replaced.

- By CHRIS CAULFIELD Local democracy reporter

Early this year Surrey County Council said it was saving money and cancelling the free bus service between Molesey and Esher High, advising children to instead walk through dark alleyways, unlit heathland and unguarded viaduct sluice gates.

The council's decision was made after it was decided the route was safe and that there would be no alternative provisions put on, to the horror of worried parents.

Now after months of campaigning, petitions and pressure from senior politicians, to stop the "cruel and needless punishment of children" the council has announced Falcon will trial an extra, paid for, 814 service from Molesey to Esher.

Parents, though welcoming the news, are asking why the extra service could not have been announced at the same time, saving stress and worry, and why it took the community to fight back to make it happen?

Parent Kate Maxwell said: "This whole process has been so stressful on everyone involved, the parents, children, and schools, and for what?