War of words as transport rules changed for kids

Vulnerable pupils hit by 'cruel' policy

- STEWART MCCONNELL

A war of words has erupted over funded school transport being axed for some of North Ayrshire’s most vulnerable kids.

North Ayrshire Labour say the decision is ‘cruel’ but the ruling SNP administration says that Labour introduced the current school transport policy in 2021 - which remains in place today.

Parents and carers of pupils attending Stevenston’s Lockhart Campus, the community's dedicated ASN (Additional Support Needs) school, have been left devastated after being informed that funded school transport will be withdrawn for some children.

For the first time, the SNP-led North Ayrshire Council have decided to apply the standard two-mile eligibility limit for school transport to pupils at the ASN school - a move that will leave many children with additional needs without vital transport support.

Now the Labour opposition will battle to have the decision reversed.

Labour councillor for Stevenston and Saltcoats, John Sweeney, immediately challenged the decision upon hearing the news earlier this week.