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Tories make half mile move

By Guardian reporter

CONSERVATIVES on Essex County Council have amended the right to free transport for children living more than one-and-a-half miles of their school by increasing the qualifying distance to two miles.

The change brings the Essex authority into line with Government policy which entitles children living further than two miles from their school to free transport.

Ongar Conservative county councillor Gerard McEwen said the change in the transport policy is only by half a mile and stated the reason was one of economics.

"We circulated a consultation document to all the schools, and received very little response."

Labour group deputy leader Neil Spurgeon said: "The Labour group and I are shocked by this Tory penny-pinching at the expense of Essex families."

Labour believe the consultation did not take into account the views of future parents to whom this service would not be available.

12:59am Sunday 20th July 2003

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