Parents protest cuts school bus service

Parents have expressed worries about the three-mile walking alternative to school, citing potential "hazards" along the route.

The council stated that the route has been approved by a road safety engineer and that free bus travel will remain available for low-income families and students with special educational needs or disabilities.

The change comes as the village is considered within the legal walking distance to school—2.9 miles—according to national guidelines. Under this policy, free school transport is only provided for secondary school students living more than three miles from school if the family is low-income, or over two miles if the student has special educational needs or a disability.

The council noted that the new walking route was approved by a road safety engineer last summer and that parents were informed of the change in October 2025. Despite this, some parents and students claim the route is “unsafe.” Among those protesting outside the council headquarters last week were Poppy and her mother, Carol.

“I’m worried about the route itself, how muddy, slippery, and dangerous it is, as well as the possibility of strangers along the way,” Poppy said. “We’ll arrive at school muddy, wet, and tired…”

Carol added that the council should implement safe crossings, additional street lighting, and proper paths along the walking route.

Other families said the changes would force them to drive their children or organize car-sharing, potentially increasing traffic. Emi Nichols, mother of a Year 7 student, said: “The idea of my daughter walking three miles to school across muddy, unlit fields is very concerning. This is not an acceptable way for her to start her secondary school journey.”

A Hampshire County Council spokesperson said the route has been reviewed under national safety standards and is “suitable for secondary-aged pupils to walk with adult support if necessary.”

They emphasized that the policy does not require students to walk and that the decision “remains with parents or guardians.”

“The consistent application of this policy ensures fairness and equality for all students while adhering to national guidelines,” the spokesperson added. “We have met with families to discuss these changes and help them check that their children can still access free school transport if eligible.”