More on post-16's transport costs

I read Nick Powell's article yesterday morning about Cheshire East's stance on post-16 school transport with much interest.

I have also been in 'discussion' with C.E regarding this topic. I find it rather like wading through treacle.

I have spoken to the call handlers, and got nowhere. I was asked to put my points in writing to Mrs Sarah Tunstall by email, which I did in September. I eventually got a reply which started by apologising for not replying within the required 5 days!

The reply, I felt, said much about nothing. It did explain that the council has what I would call a 'get out clause' with regard to statutory school leaving age, in that as students don't technically have to stay at school, but could get an apprenticeship etc, the council has no legal obligation to provide free transport.

The letter went on to talk about the council's strapped budget and the need to look after the elderly. Yes, indeed there is a need to look after all groups within society, that, however is a separate issue and one introduced, I believe, to divert attention from my point!

Mrs Tunstall's email finished with the words, "...and I am sorry I cannot be of further assistance to you on this occasion."

So, not to be put off, I replied to her email on 25th September. I had already made all the points about rural areas, having no access to public transport, living a mile and a half walk down an unlit country lane with no pavements to get to the nearest bust stop, one child getting on the bus as his brother gets into the car and we follow the bus to school, etc etc.

Having been told in terms that I can purchase a spare seats bus pass for £890 (year 2012/13) for my son, which is at least £200 dearer than if we had access to public transport, I put forward a compromise. Could C.E. see their way to charging a fair price for their spare seats that would at least be on a par with public transport?

Surely it is better to have a seat filled at £400 than empty at £0, rather than C.E.'s current policy of having a 'Full Recovery Cost' policy? Having heard nothing back, I am assuming the answer is NO!

Nick Powell's article yesterday morning has sparked me back into life! I rang C.E transport at 9am and spoke to a pleasant young lady who said that she would transfer me to Mrs Tunstall. The nice young lady returned with a message that Mrs Tunstall was away from her desk, but if I would care to leave my details she would return my call.

"Not really" I replied, "is there someone else I can talk to?" No not really, apparently! So I have left my details and shall see how long it is until my call is returned. And just in case the message gets mislaid, I have resent my email from 25th September!

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