Councillors attend meeting to discuss walking-to-school route

 

A senior Council Cabinet member has met with local people to discuss concerns over a proposed walking-to-school route.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, the Cabinet member with responsibility for overseeing the home-to-school transport review, attended a public meeting to listen to residents’ issues about the proposed walking route from Willaston to Malbank School in Nantwich.

Councillor Bailey was invited to last night’s meeting (January 14) by local ward members Councillors Margaret Simon and Brian Silvester.

Representatives from Malbank School and Willaston Parish Council were present, along with a parents’ representative.

Councillor Bailey said: “This was a positive meeting where I gained a good insight into the concerns of all parties involved.

“I would like to stress that the road safety assessments are being revaluated and any final decision won’t be implemented until September, at the start of the 2013/2014 academic year – if, of course, changes are to be made.”

A panel of three councillors, chaired by Councillor Bailey, will consider each individual route assessment before coming to a final decision.

In a joint statement, Councillors Margaret Simon and Brian Silvester said: “We would like to thank Councillor Bailey for attending this meeting and it shows how seriously the concerns of parents and residents are being taken.

“Matters discussed during this meeting, along with all the representations the Council has received on this route, will feed into the assessment process to give the panel an accurate picture before making a decision.”