‘Fantastic’ response to Lanark school bus protest

MSP Aileen Campbell, MP Dr Lisa Cameron and Councillor Vivienne Shaw joined parents, grandparents and concerned constituents on a protest walk against planned cuts which will mean pupils walking from Kirkfieldbank to Lanark Grammar.

South Lanarkshire Council plans to cut school bus services, providing free transport for those living three miles away instead of two miles and the council has deemed Kirkfieldbank Brae a safe walking route.

On Saturday morning over 30 people walked the route in protest.

“It was a fantastic turnout,” said mum Julia Marrs, who organised the walk up the steep winding brae.

“Protesters found the route arduous even on a beautiful day and were supported along the way by members of the public tooting horns and shouting messages of support,” she said.

They were drawing attention to the brae and other routes, and Julia added: “It is hoped by highlighting the significant hazards of these routes that SLC will look again at offering bus transport on the basis of children’s safety, not just the legal minimum demanded.”

For more on this, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette.