Redhill: Walk to school over a field and unguarded railway is a ‘safe route’

A family has been told their children’s free bus passes have been cancelled as there is a three-mile (4.8km) “safe route” to school across fields and over an unguarded railway line.

Joe Massey said the decision by Surrey County Council (SCC) had left his family feeling “let down” and “frustrated” after his sons’ passes were cut because the route, which he described as “plain dangerous”, from South Nutfield to Carrington School in Redhill was found by officials.

The council has written to parents saying children should wear suitable footwear for the walk as a farmer’s field they pass through is prone to flooding.

Clare Curran, SCC’s cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, said: “Amidst a set of challenging financial circumstances, the council is not in the position to continue to pay for transport for families due to a safe route being established.”