Primary school pupils could have bus passes by the start of the new term following a push to secure travel by teachers and parents. 

Many pupils from Ringshall Primary School were refused travel last week, after Suffolk County Council said they lived close enough to the school to walk.

The children of army personnel at Wattisham Airfield were particularly affected. 

However, parents and headteacher James Gough said that the council’s suggested route, which took students over ploughed fields and stretches of road with no paths, was not safe. 

One week on from an article appearing in the EADT, the council has agreed with this judgement, and a “positive outcome” has now been reached. 

An assessment of the route was carried out by the council on February 9, and these stretches of road were deemed “not safe”. 

Stowmarket Mercury: The council has carried out an assessment, and agreed that the stretches of roads with no paths (pictured) are not safe for children walking to and from school. Credit: Charlotte BondThe council has carried out an assessment, and agreed that the stretches of roads with no paths (pictured) are not safe for children walking to and from school. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Stowmarket Mercury: The route the council had initially suggested children use would take them over ploughed fields. Credit: Charlotte BondThe route the council had initially suggested children use would take them over ploughed fields. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

The pupils affected by this outcome are now eligible for funded school travel. 

“This is wonderful news,” said Mr Gough. “Families will now be able to apply for a bus pass on safety grounds.” 

Maria Rusivakula’s four-year-old son was among the children from Wattisham Airfield who were turned away from the bus last week. 

“We’re very grateful that the council has given us the green light,” said Mrs Rusivakula. “The bus getting the children to school is such a big help. It enables us to get to work earlier, and we don’t have to leave early to pick them up. 

“We’re going to be here for a couple of years, and this is really going to help my son’s independence.” 

Stowmarket Mercury: Mr Gough had previously explained that the suggested route was not practical for young children and parents with pushchairs. Credit: Charlotte BondMr Gough had previously explained that the suggested route was not practical for young children and parents with pushchairs. Credit: Charlotte Bond (Image: Newsquest)

Rachel Hood, Cabinet Member for Education, SEND and Skills, said: “It is good news that a positive outcome has been found and eligible children will now receive free bus travel to school.  

“We are working to have this new arrangement in place by Monday after the half-term holiday.  

“We follow guidance set nationally by the Department for Education to ensure a fair and consistent approach is applied to allocate school travel passes.”