By Conor Sharkey
MORE than 50 Holy Cross College pupils will have to trek almost three miles along a notoriously dangerous stretch of road this winter because of a 200 yard technicality.
Last year the Western Education Board supplied Glebe pupils with a bus pass because they lived more than three miles from their school. But the opening of the new Holy Cross building has moved pupils to within 2.8 miles, 200 yards outside the free transport qualifying distance.
But angry parents have argued that the 2.8 mile route mapped by the WELB will take children along the narrow Peacock Road, much of which lacks even a footpath. In a desperate bid to highlight the hazards facing their children, dozens of parents protested along the road on Tuesday.
And Strabane Chronicle reporter Mickey Ferry also took to the road to determine how safe he feels the 2.8 mile walk is for pedestrians.
The campaign however appears to have fallen on deaf ears. Earlier this week, the Board said the dangerous route was not their responsibility and that they would not be overturning their decision.
Asked then if WELB staff would let their children walk the route over the winter months, a Board spokesperson opted to again quote legislation.
" In this regard, the Board is complying with its statutory obligation," they said.
And school children aren't the only ones losing out as a result of the withdrawal. Parents are now having to foot an annual bus ticket bill of around £300 per pupil.
The entire scenario has outraged parents and elected representatives alike, who have accused the WELB of neglecting child safety over a technicality.
Glebe parent Michael Hegarty said it is a matter of time before a child is injured if they are forced to take the route proposed by the WELB.
"We are being denied free transport because we are 200 yards short of being three miles from the school.
"But the route measured by the WELB would take the children along a road that has no footpath and on to the very busy Melmount Road. If they were to take that road every day, especially now coming into the winter, parents would be worried sick for their safety.
"On top of the safety issue, there is the financial drawback. It will cost £300 a year to put a child on the bus and there are families out there who just can't spare that kind of money.
"So we are asking the WELB to have a rethink and give us back our bus," Mr Hegarty said.
Backing the parental campaign is MLA Claire McGill and councillor Gerard Foley.
Councillor Foley said the safety of the young people is paramount.
"Myself and Claire McGill have walked the road measured by the Western Education and Library Board and it isn't safe. We have spoken to Board representatives and they keep saying parents aren't entitled to free transport but we will continue to lobby and fight.
"It could cost a parent up to £300 a year to send their child to school and in the current climate, people just don't have that kind of money.
"All we are asking is for free transport for 53 pupils. There safety is our highest priority and we will continue to work to protect them," Mr Foley said.
