PUPILS at two Nantwich schools could see their rights to free school transport removed as part of a Cheshire East Council review of public walking routes.

Under current guidelines, children who live more than two miles from their primary school or three miles from their secondary school are afforded free transport to and from the site. Those living within said distance but without a suitable walking route are also eligible.

Due to the improved safety of highways, footpaths and public rights of way, Brine Leas and Malbank are among five schools that will cease to offer publicly-funded transport to those who live within the statutory walking distance.

In Cheshire East, more than 1,000 pupils receive the service on the grounds that there are no acceptable walking routes.

This amounts to 35 per cent of all beneficiaries of the scheme, compared to 26.5 per cent in Cheshire West and Chester and just 10 per cent in Staffordshire.

Councillor George Hayes, deputy portfolio holder for children and families said: “This decision is about fairly applying an existing policy, now that these walking routes have been made available for safe use.

“In order to ensure that parents and schools are aware of these changes, we have already communicated with the relevant local ward members and head teachers and contact will be made directly with those parents who will be impacted by this decision.

“All of this is happening well in advance of the April 1, 2017 implementation date.”

It is hoped an investment of £150,000 over four years will lead to savings of almost £500,000 by 2019.

For further information on available walking routes to school, including frequently asked questions visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/availablewalkingroutes.