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End to free transport for faith school pupils
Council says it was 'a difficult decision'
The axe has fallen on automatic free transport for Central Beds children attending faith schools, despite prayers from two bishops for a change of heart.
Councillors were urged by the Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Rev Richard Inwood, and the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Northampton, the Rt Rev Peter Doyle, to ditch the idea.
But now Central Beds Council's executive committee has decided that from September, free transport will no longer be provided automatically for pupils at faith schools which are more than a certain distance away from their homes.
The bishops had warned that hundreds of children could be affected, unless they come from low-income families.
This is one of the council's changes over home to school travel, following consultation.
The council must provide free school transport for pupils such as children from low-income families and disabled youngsters.
Councillor Anita Lewis said: "We have had to make a very difficult decision here.
"We understand some are going to be disappointed that they will no longer qualify for free school transport, but we must make our services more efficient so we can protect the critical services we provide.
"Rest assured, we will now be working with parents and diocese representatives to help make any transition in September as smooth as possible."
The Bishop of Bedford said: "This is not the decision we hoped for but now it has been taken, we will of course work with the Central Beds authority as they have requested."
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Weather for Bedford
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 25 C
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