Tom Gordon Claims Pupils Must Walk Through Army Firing Range
Tom Gordon, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said North Yorkshire council were suggesting unsuitable walking routes in the rural constituency during a debate on home to school transport. By law, transport must be provided to those who live more than three miles away from a school, or two miles if the child is younger than eight. However, if it's below that the council must show there is a safe walking route.
- North Yorkshire council suggests pupils cross an active military firing range
- MP Tom Gordon claims council recommends unsuitable walking routes to school
- By law, transport must be provided to those who live more than three miles away from school
- The School Transport Action Group documents unsafe routes
- Pupils may have to climb over metal barriers on the A64
Tom Gordon, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said North Yorkshire council were suggesting unsuitable walking routes in the rural constituency during a debate on home to school transport. By law, transport must be provided to those who live more than three miles away from a school, or two miles if the child is younger than eight. However, if it's below that the council must show there is a safe walking route.
The School Transport Action Group has documented routes that children have been expected to follow, including climbing over metal barriers on the A64 and using paths that cross an active military firing range.
Officials said the council has a responsibility to provide safe routes to school, but the current suggestions are inadequate.
Council's Response
Sources confirmed that the council is reviewing the routes suggested for pupils to walk to school. Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, said: 'The School Transport Action Group has documented routes that children have been expected to follow, including climbing over metal barriers on the A64 and using paths that cross an active military firing range.'
Meanwhile, witnesses said that pupils are being put at risk by the council's suggestions.
Government sources said that the council must prioritize the safety of pupils when suggesting walking routes to school.
Impact on Pupils
Experts said that the council's suggestions could have a significant impact on the safety and well-being of pupils. Tom Gordon said: 'It is unacceptable that the council is suggesting that pupils walk to school through an active military firing range.'
In contrast, the council has a responsibility to provide safe routes to school.
The School Transport Action Group has called for the council to review its suggestions and provide safe routes for pupils to walk to school.
Historical Context
Historically, the council has provided transport for pupils who live more than three miles away from school. However, with budget cuts, the council has been looking for ways to reduce costs.
Despite this, the law requires the council to provide safe routes to school for pupils.
The School Transport Action Group has been working to ensure that the council prioritizes the safety of pupils when suggesting walking routes to school.
Human Impact
Pupils and parents are concerned about the safety of the suggested walking routes to school. One parent said: 'I am worried about the safety of my child, and I do not think it is acceptable for the council to suggest that pupils walk to school through an active military firing range.'
Meanwhile, pupils are being put at risk by the council's suggestions.
The community is calling for the council to review its suggestions and provide safe routes for pupils to walk to school.
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