Today's Courier highlights a statement from St John's High School Parent Council Chairperson Katy Dundas and from Monsignor Ken McCaffrey, Church Representative on the Education Committee, about the continuing unsatisfactory travel situation facing over 40 West End pupils at the school, following the withdrawal of the 4S bus service.As I indicated in the Courier, there is a real need for the council to act on this matter to ensure there are proper bus arrangements for the St John’s pupils. The points made by Mrs Dundas and Mgr McCaffrey about the current situation are completely valid and it is imperative that this situation is properly resolved before the darker winter days arrive.
Around 43 pupils are affected and when we get into the darker days and wintry weather very soon, the situation will worsen. The council must look proactively at either a minibus solution or a tendered service. The bottom line is that there is £135 000 sitting at present unspent and not legally committed in the City Council’s Registered Bus Services Budget. It would be outrageous if we get into the winter months without this matter being properly resolved.
I urge that all parties on the council get together to find a proper solution to the lack of bus provision for St John’s pupils who live in the West End.