Mother wins fight to get free school transport

A mother has won her fight to get free school transport for three of her children after a mix up with a now defunct county council.

Sam Shuttleworth, who lives near Sedbergh in Cumbria, but just over the border into North Yorkshire, would have had to move her children to a North Yorkshire school, or pay nearly £3,400 a year for a bus to Kirkby Stephen.

Westmorland and Furness Council, one of two authorities replacing Cumbria County Council, apologised to the family saying it was "a historic mapping system error" that led to transport arrangements being incorrectly assessed.

Shuttleworth said it was "brilliant" news and was pleased the council had "used common sense" after causing her worry.

Shuttleworth applied to Westmorland and Furness Council's school transport scheme for her 11-year-old, who will be going to a new school, and for her 10, six and five-year olds, who will be staying at Kirkby Stephen Primary.

The authority said the county council had made a mistake and they were only eligible for free transport to their nearest school, in Hawes, and this would be the responsibility of North Yorkshire Council.

It said Kirkby Stephen Primary School was 8.9 miles away and Hawes Primary School was 7 miles.

Shuttleworth told BBC Radio Cumbria she had been preparing to do a second appeal because she did not want her children to have to change schools.

Westmorland and Furness Council has since apologised and said following a review transport arrangements for the family's primary school age children "have been reinstated".

A council spokesperson said: "The council considers the matter resolved and regrets any distress caused."

The authority said transport arrangements relating to Shuttleworth's secondary aged child were the responsibility of North Yorkshire.

Shuttleworth continues to work directly with North Yorkshire Council to have that matter resolved.

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