Save our School Buses

11.58.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 19th Jul 2009

Merthyr Lib Dems do not want to scrap bus services

Merthyr Tydfil Liberal Democrats are demanding that local school buses are saved from the council's axe. Unelected officials have announced with no warning that hundreds of children will have to find other ways to school when their buses are cancelled in September.

Merthyr Tydfil campaigner, Amy Kitcher, said "I am very disappointed that the council is scrapping these services. They are putting money before children's safety. Looking after children should be the council's top priority - but the leaders have decided it should be first to be cut.

"It is all too easy for leaders sitting in the civic centre to say they need to save money, but that is simply not good enough when it comes to our children's safety."

The independent led council have sneaked this decision through the back door. There has been no consultation with parents or schools and councillors have not had a chance to vote on it.

Lib Dem Group Leader, Kevin O'Connor, added, "It is simply not acceptable to tell parents on the last day of term that their buses are being cancelled. Sadly, this sort of disregard for local residents is typical of how the council is run.

"The real truth is that it is easier for them to cut services than to cut out waste in the council and they are are happy to keep taking the lazy option.

"The council leader needs to take responsibility for how this council is run and put a stop to bureaucrats putting the council before the needs of local people."