A DECISION on whether to withdraw free school transport for Knutsford Academy students living in Mobberley is due to be taken in March.

According to Cheshire East Council’s forward plan for its ‘executive decisions’ through to the spring, cabinet members will convene on Tuesday, March 13 to discuss the issue. An initial proposed date of January 16 looks to have been pushed back.

The proposed course of action for the borough council is to remove the provision of free transport for students living within three miles’ walk, because a new pavement classes as an ‘available walking route’ between the village and the academy.

The pavement runs along Knutsford Road, from Town Lane to Bentley Manchester.

CEC’s forward plan lists the particulars of the March meeting.

Under ‘decisions to be taken’ it said: To confirm that the route between Mobberley and Knutsford Academy and Knutsford Academy, The Studio is deemed an ‘available’ walking route.

“Therefore free home to school transport will be withdrawn for current and new pupils living in Mobberley within three miles of the Academy, effective from September 1, 2018.

“To acknowledge the feedback from the public engagement and agree that the proposed withdrawal of transport shall be amended to address some of the concerns raised.

“To agree that a subsidy of £192 per annum be paid to all affected families for the remainder of their child’s attendance at their respective schools.”

The issue – registered as ‘Available Walking Routes Phase 2A’ – requires an executive decision by cabinet members due to being ‘significant in terms of its effects on communities living … in the area’.

Initials plans when mooted last year drew concerns from councillors, the school, and parents.

A Knutsford Academy spokesman said in September: “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 ... to proceed.”

When the issue was previously discussed at CEC cabinet, Mobberley ward councillor Jamie Macrae pointed out that speeding in the village was a safety issue facing schoolchildren, as well as potential deterioration of pathways.

nWhat do you think about the situation?

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