Penrith school children whose bus service was under threat will still be able to catch a ride to school when the new term starts in September.
But the Herald understands that school bosses have taken Stagecoach up on their offer of continuing the morning run and have engaged the services of a private hire coach for the afternoon return home.
Scott Jackson, a parent and Penrith town councillor, said: “This private hire needs more than just the fares of the kids using it, so grant funding is being sought from Westmorland and Furness Locality Board and Penrith Town Council.
“So, until that funding comes through, it is the school itself who are subsidising the afternoon bus.”
Last month, it was agreed at a full meeting of Penrith Town Council that a letter should be written to Stagecoach expressing disappointment in the decision to withdraw the Number 2 service and offering to explore opportunities to continue the service.
It was also agreed that the council would engage with school and parent representatives to explore alternative provision of bus services.
Mr Jackson said the town council could not directly fund a school bus, so the parents’ association would have to make an application for funding.
He added: “I am highly confident the town council will help and would urge Westmorland and Furness Council to find a way to do the same.
“There may be concerns this would open the flood gates and set a precedent, but as this is to secure an existing service I think that limits the risk. From a personal, political viewpoint, I think local councils should work to improve any and all bus services for the social, economic and environmental benefits they bring.
“As a parent, and as a councillor, I can’t thank retiring head Mike Pincombe, the staff of the school and parent Emma Scantlebury enough for their hard work to get to this point. Councils and the Government have to step up to match their level of dedication to help children and families.”
A Penrith mother-of-three, Mrs Scantlebury started a “save our school bus” petition which was signed by more than 400 supporters.
Tom Waterhouse, interim managing director of Stagecoach Cumbria, said: “We’re really pleased that we have been able to work with North Lakes School to find a solution for the start of the September term, and ensure that we can still operate a journey each morning to get children to school.”
