Teachers, governors, parents, pupils and local councillors joined forces today to walk the controversial new “safe walking route” between Willaston and Malbank School – and it took them almost 70 minutes!
The route has been put together by Cheshire East Council to justify axing a free school bus which has operated between the village and its feeder secondary school almost three miles away in Nantwich.
They say the installation of the new crossing at Peacock roundabout over the Nantwich Bypass now means it is safe to walk.
But many fear it is putting young students in danger and is putting cost-cutting before safety of young people.
The walk was arranged by Malbank School headteacher John Harrison and angry parents who face paying a hefty £940 annual bus bill from September when free transport is withdrawn.
Nantwich News joined the group on their walk today, which took place in light, dry and mild conditions and began at 7.35am.
But it still took almost 70 minutes, crossing several busy roads including Crewe Road where there is no official crossing, just a traffic island in the middle.
Traffic was severely backed up along the A51 at the Peacock Roundabout back towards Cheerbrook because of the regular use of the crossing.
Campaigning parent Sarah Jones, whose son starts Malbank in September, also took part in the walk.
She said: “The crossing on the roundabout was awful. The lights change back from green to red in just four seconds.
“I would never let my son do that walk, not until he’s older, say at least 16.
“Even then it’s simply not practical on a school morning, when they are on a deadline, running late, it’s chucking down with rain – it’s just not going to happen.
“The Gingerbread Lane crossing blew my mind. That took a while to get across because there’s no crossing, just an island in the middle of the road. It’s crazy.”
Cheshire East’s decision could impact around 70 children and families from the village.
Sarah added: “The public bus services are simply not equipped to handle that many, the 84 service could not accommodate that many.
“We started the walk at Willaston Social Club, but some children live even further away than that. You could be looking at an hour and 20 minutes for some children.
“It’s scary – some parts of the walk are not lit in winter. Realistically from today, no one is letting their children do that walk.”
At the of the walk, headteacher Mr Harrison spoke to pupils and said even leaving at 7.30am from Willaston they were still all late for the start of school.
Cllr Allen Gage, of Willaston and Rope ward, was also on the walk.
He said: “Cheshire East are making a poor and ruthless decision to save money to account for previous poor decisions elsewhere. Why should Willaston kids be the ones to suffer?
“Thank you to Mr Harrison for arranging this 68-minute walk.
“Combined with busy crossing points, it’s entirely unreasonable to expect an 11-year-old child to do this alone twice a day, especially in the darkness of winter.
“I’m against this, the Head of Malbank and parents are too. I’m not aware of any councillor who supports this, the only supporter appears to be someone in a distant Cheshire East office.
“I’m asking the council leader Nick Mannion and Education portfolio holder Cllr Emma Gilman (both Macclesfield) to prove that the tail doesn’t wag the dog and stop this.
“Removing children’s busses and asking them to walk 68 minutes to school in the dark over a busy bypass is hardly a sign of progress to be proud of.”
Headteacher Mr Harrison said despite his letter to Cheshire East Council early in June raising serious concerns, he has not received a reply.
He previously old parents: “I want to be absolutely clear that I fundamentally disagree with both this conclusion and the process by which it has been reached.
“I do not accept that the installation of a single crossing point is sufficient to justify the reclassification of this route as safe and walkable for our students.
“In my view, this decision raises serious concerns about student safety and the financial impact on families, and appears to prioritise cost saving over both of these considerations.”
We have contacted Cheshire East Council raising a number of questions around how the route was agreed.
In a previous statement, Cllr Emma Gilman, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for education, special educational needs and disabilities, said: “We understand the concerns some families have about the withdrawal of free school transport from Willaston to Malbank School and the impact this may have on their daily arrangements.
“Following the completion of highway improvement works at the Peacock roundabout, the route between Willaston and Malbank School has been reviewed.
“The total cost of the Peacock roundabout scheme was £413,232, which included the installation of a toucan crossing, as well as wider improvements such as cycleway and footway works, street lighting, carriageway surfacing, lining and signage.
“This was part of a broader highways improvement scheme to improve accessibility and also to encourage safe walking, wheeling and cycling routes for all Cheshire East residents.
“Based on a full assessment of road layout, traffic conditions and crossing points, the route has been deemed an available walking route and is within the statutory walking distance of under three miles.
“The safety of children remains the council’s priority. We will continue to work with families, schools and transport providers to ensure that clear information is provided and that families are supported as they plan for September 2026.”
Recent Comments