With less than a week remaining until children go back to school, parents in Llysfaen have cause for celebration today with Conwy County Borough Council having agreed to reinstate the free home to school transport between Llysfaen and Ysgol Bryn Elian, albeit for an interim period.
In July, much to parents dismay, the council announced it would be withdrawing the service.
Since that time, Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has been leading a campaign calling on the council to reconsider its decision, which would leave scores of pupils attending Old Colwyn’s Ysgol Bryn Elian having to find alternative travel arrangements from September.
Darren stressed to the council that the route between Llysfaen and Ysgol Bryn Elian is not straight forward and poses hazards, particularly in inclement weather given the topography of the route, and lack of a pedestrian crossing on Llanelian Road.
Whilst showing appreciation for the fact that the local authority is having to consider the budget implications of home to school transport arrangements, he said the decision to withdraw this provision was “the wrong one”.
Earlier this month a public meeting, Chaired by Darren, was held at which parents and other members of the local community made their objections to the proposals known.
This week, Darren was informed that the local authority will reinstate the bus service on an interim basis.
In a letter informing residents of Llysfaen with the positive news he said:
“I am pleased to provide you with a further update on our campaign to secure the future of free home to school transport between Llysfaen and Ysgol Bryn Elian.
“Yesterday I was contacted by our legal expert Michael Imperato of Watkins & Gunn, who has been assisting our campaign. He advised that, having issued a letter of claim to Conwy County Borough Council last week, he has now been advised that the local authority will reinstate the free school bus service on an interim basis whilst it considers the matters raised in the letter.
“This means that school buses to Ysgol Bryn Elian will continue to run as usual from the start of term next week.”
However, Darren stressed to residents that the fight is far from over.
He added:
“While this is good news, it remains unclear as to how long it will take the council to reconsider the arrangements and whether the free school transport will be permanent. On that basis, our campaign will continue, with the support of Michael Imperato and Watkins & Gunn.
“I have informed Cllr Phil Capper, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Bryn Elian, of the local authority's position.
“Please share this with other parents and learners and encourage them to sign up for future updates by clicking on the link below:
https://www.darrenmillar.wales/campaigns/home-school-transport-llysfaen”
Commenting after receiving the news, Darren said:
“Whilst this is very positive news and means that when children return to school next week they will be able to continue accessing this free service, the potential risk of this provision being withdrawn in the long-term remains and I will therefore continue with the campaign.
“This is a vital service to children living in Llysfaen and I will be doing everything in my power to ensure it is safeguarded.”
Cllr Phil Capper, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Bryn Elian, said:
"This news will come as a huge relief to pupils and parents but the fight is far from over.
"The Governing Body will continue to engage with Darren Millar and Michael Imperato to ensure that permanent school bus services continue to be available for learners from Llysfaen."
