Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment concerning the walking route from Pamber Heath to The Hurst Community College and to consider a confidential representation from parents as to its safety.

The Sub-Committee considered the report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment regarding the assessment of the walking route to The Hurst Community College (The Hurst).

Members were informed that:

·         Following a review of the walking routes to The Hurst, home to school transport had been withdrawn from a number of pupils based on their routes to school being under the 3 mile distance required to qualify for Council funded transport.

·         Families had been fully informed in writing of the decision and reasons behind it and had been advised of their right to appeal. Two families, Appellant A and B, had selected to progress with an appeal.

·         The walking routes had been walked, measured for distance and assessed for safety, in accordance with the Road Safety GB Criteria, by the Road Safety Officer. Both routes measured less than 3 miles and both routes were determined as safe for pupils to walk. It was confirmed, following Members’ questions, that the on-site assessment had been made in January 2018 and Members were referred to the detailed appendices which contained the reports.

·         Both routes were measured using a Trumeter distance measurement wheel. It was confirmed, following Members’ questions, that this equipment was regularly sent to an independent, external organisation for audit and calibration purposes to ensure complete accuracy of measurements.