KNUTSFORD Academy students living in Mobberley could face an hour-long walk of about three miles to school from September 2018.

Cheshire East Council plans to withdraw free school transport for around 30 children living in the village, after it deemed a sufficient walking route had become available.

Knutsford Academy has expressed concern over the proposal.

The council says a new pavement between Broadoak Lane and Rockswood Way, completed in April, means children can now walk from Mobberley to the academy and vice versa, the route having been tested by borough councillors.

The walking route between Mobberley and the school – part of which was not felt appropriate for cyclists, and which has prompted questions over its lighting – could save the council £29,000 a year.

A CEC report said: “It is estimated there will be 60 children eligible to receive free transport. This includes 27 who will continue to be eligible on distance criteria and 33 for whom free transport would cease.”

Pupils whose free transport is withdrawn would be eligible for a £192 subsidy a year to Year 11. Students starting in 2018 would not be eligible.

A decision to proceed to a four-week community engagement is due on Tuesday, ahead of a final decision in January and possible withdrawal of transport in September 2018.

An Academy spokesman said: “CEC recently made the school aware of this proposal. We’re very concerned by this as the safety and welfare of our students is of paramount importance to us.

“We will work closely with affected students and their families in how we will respond if the decision is taken for the consultation to proceed.”