2 days ago
Paul RogersLocal Democracy Reporting Service
Local Democracy Reporting Service
A route between Weston Rhyn and St Martins features this towpath
A charity says it wants to talk to the council about what can be done to improve a canal towpath that children may have to walk on to get to school.
For nearly 40 years, pupils have had free transport from Weston Rhyn to St Martins School in Oswestry, as the route had been deemed "unsafe" for children. But Shropshire Council has told parents any new pupils would no longer receive transport.
Following a backlash, the authority stated it would reconsider the decision, saying it understood people's concerns.
The Canal and River Trust said it was reliant on funding and working with local partners "to make vital improvements to access, security, and surfacing", so everyone could enjoy towpaths.
A spokesperson added: "On this basis, we'd love to talk with the council about this."
Parents received a letter from the authority saying any new pupils would not get transport and would be expected to walk, even if their siblings were still having free transport.
'Love to talk'
The council said the route has been "reassessed" and a "safe" alternative had been identified from Rhosweil Canal Bridge, along the canal towpath, which then joins St Martins Road.
Councillor Carl Rowley, who represents St Martins, said he welcomed the news that the authority would re-evaluate its decision.
But Rowley stated he wanted information on how the potential use of canal towpaths in walking routes was added into council assessments, despite not being in national guidance.
The towpath is managed by the charity, which cares for 2,000 miles worth of canals and navigable rivers.
It is a permissible path, meaning the organisation's colleagues and volunteers look after it for boaters and local people to use.
A spokesperson said the charity was not going to make a judgement about the suitability of the canal as a route to school.
It stated that was a decision to be collectively made by parents, school and council.
But, the charity said it would "love to talk" to the authority about what can be done to improve it.
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