Sir,
Through the Letters page of the Tenby Observer I would like to take this opportunity to explain the current situation for school children travelling to Greenhill School from Saundersfoot and other outlying communities.
If families live more than three miles from the school, Pembrokeshire County Council provides bus passes which entitle free travel, usually on a 'school bus', where one seat is provided per child.
Families living less than three miles have to pay for their children to travel to school on a subsidised 'service bus' which on occasions means that the children have to stand for their journey.
Whilst the 'service buses' are designed to allow standing passengers, a number of parents are extremely concerned as we used to worry about the lack of seat belts, and now worry at the lack of a seat.
Pembrokeshire County Council could provide a 'school bus' if there is not a safe pedestrian route. Unfortunately, the group that investigates such matters has decided that there are safe routes from Saundersfoot to Tenby. There is not one route, however, which has a footpath, but apparently verges are deemed acceptable.
The county could provide more than the statutory minimum and allow free, safe transport for all children; the only additional cost would be the sum of the money collected as the fare.
Once again the county will plead that there are no funds, but what is the point of being the lowest council tax in Wales when there are so many services desperately needed by the residents and visitors to our county.
If people agree with the principles above, please help our campaign and write to me and Pembrokeshire County Council.
Clr. Phil Baker,
Northover,
Rushy Lake,
Saundersfoot.