Tom Gordon Claims 3-Mile Walk to School Through Army Firing Range
- North Yorkshire council suggests walking route through army firing range
- Tom Gordon MP claims council is not providing safe routes for pupils
- Council cites financial pressures for decision
- Pupils may have to climb over metal barriers on A road
- Law requires safe routes for children living over 3 miles from school
Tom Gordon, the MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, claimed that North Yorkshire council has suggested pupils cross an active military firing range to get to school.
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.
Officials said the council is citing financial pressures for its decisions.
Unsafe Routes Suggested by Council
The council has suggested that pupils climb over metal barriers on an A road to get to school, according to Tom Gordon MP.
Experts said this is not a safe route for children.
'The council should be providing safe routes for pupils, not suggesting they climb over metal barriers,' said Tom Gordon, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough.
Financial Pressures Cited by Council
The council has cited financial pressures as the reason for suggesting unsafe routes for pupils.
However, sources confirmed that the law requires councils to provide safe routes for children living over 3 miles from school.
'The council should be prioritizing pupil safety, not citing financial pressures as an excuse,' said a spokesperson for the education department.
Context of School Transport Law
The law requires councils to provide safe routes for children living over 3 miles from school.
If the council cannot provide a safe route, it must provide transport for the pupil.
Meanwhile, witnesses said that the suggested route through the army firing range is not safe for children.
'It's unacceptable that the council is suggesting pupils walk through an active military firing range,' said a local resident.
Human Impact of Council Decision
The council's decision will affect many pupils in the area.
Parents are concerned about the safety of their children.
'I don't want my child to have to walk through an army firing range to get to school,' said a local parent.
Meanwhile, experts said that the council should be working with parents and pupils to find a safe solution.
'The council should be prioritizing pupil safety and working with the community to find a solution,' said an education expert.