Sir,
Just when I thought spin was 'dead in the water' I find to my dismay several column inches dedicated to it courtesy of county councillor Rosemary Hayes. Perhaps Alistair Campbell has already found a new post in local government!
How typical that Clr. Hayes has chosen only to answer certain points, and not those which we as parents consider to be the most important. The parents of the children concerned do not agree with the panel's decision that the route is safe. The children themselves do not agree with the panel's decision that the route is safe.
Many of us have younger children who would have to accompany us if we walk our older children to school along this unsafe route as opposed to allowing them to travel on a service bus with no guarantee of a seat. These small children would then have to walk a round trip of approximately seven miles before they reach their primary school. Clr. Hayes has stated quite categorically that, 'national guidelines define walking distance as two miles for pupils under eight years.'
The campaign to get a fair deal for these children will continue, but I urge all parents who feel strongly about this issue to write to Mr. Hubert Mathias, T & E - Transport and Fleet Manager, Pembrokeshire County Council. I believe that Saundersfoot Community Council has already written to the county council in support of this campaign, but Clr. Hayes needs to decide which side she is batting for before the electorate do it for her.
Mrs. Julie Watkins,
Cherry Tree Cottage,
Off Ragged Staff,
Saundersfoot.