Cheshire East's plans to axe a free school bus will put children at risk because the council's 'safe' walking route is dangerous, the ward councillors say.

Conservative councillors Liz Wardlaw and Patrick Redstone took part in a protest march along the route from Rode Heath to Alsager School with parents, children and Labour MP Sarah Russell.

The council says by removing the bus it is applying national school transport policy, adding it has carried out highways improvements and assessed the walking route to the school as safe.

Cllr Wardlaw argues the route is not safe and says there is currently no public transport to get the children to school on time.

"There was no discussion, no consultation," said an angry Cllr Wardlaw. "I would say this is a dangerous route."

She said the walk from the Broughton Arms to the A50 highlighted the narrow footpath and, although traffic stopped at the A50 pedestrian refuge to let them cross 'this won't happen when children walk in smaller groups'.

"The highways improvements Cheshire East speak of is, in fact, about 500m of overgrown footpath that has been sided out, leaving an uneven path," she said.

"At the Lawton Arms, the footpath stops. This is a high-risk spot for the children. They will instinctively want to cross here.

"The available route is counter intuitive. It takes the children approximately 100m towards Scholar Green – the opposite direction to school – then at Liverpool Road West a 180-degree turn is needed to bring them back to Lawton lights.

"If they get as far as the Lawton lights there's no pedestrian priority."

National policy states children can get travel support if the walking distance to the nearest suitable school is more than two miles for pupils under eight or more than three miles for those aged eight to 16.

Local authorities are, however, required by law to make travel arrangements where a route is not available for a child to walk to school in reasonable safety.

Cllr Wardlaw said: "We are asking for reinstatement of the school bus, either free or subsidised.

"Council needs to recognise the lack of parity with our urban areas.

"Our rural communities receive much less investment and have fewer amenities than our towns.

"Patrick and I want to see a commitment to delivering cycle routes, maintaining our footpaths, and ensuring buses run at times that accommodate residents' needs."

Cllr Emma Gilman (Ind), cabinet member for education, special educational needs and disabilities, said: "The council is applying national school transport policy, which is clear that parents are responsible for ensuring their child gets to school unless they meet the statutory eligibility criteria for free transport.

"We understand that the removal of the school transport route will be concerning for some families and may affect their daily arrangements.

"Following highway improvements and a detailed safety assessment, both routes have been confirmed as available walking routes within the statutory distance.

"Parents who believe their child may be eligible on other grounds, including special educational needs, disabilities or low-income criteria, can appeal through the council's process."

She added: "The safety of children remains the council's top priority.

"We will continue to work with families, schools and transport providers to ensure clear information is shared in order for families to plan for September 2026."

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