Council putting my son at risk (From Barry And District News)

Council putting my son at risk

A BARRY schoolboy has not been in class since September because his mother claims the Vale of Glamorgan Council is putting her child's life at risk.

Single mum Stephanie Leyshon lives in Rectory Close, Wenvoe and her 12-year-old son Richard attends Barry Comprehensive.

But the Year 7 pupil cannot get to school without walking three miles along the busy A4050.

The part-time carer told the News: "I am a single mum and I cannot afford the bus fare for him to travel everyday. The only way he can get to Barry Comprehensive is if he walks along this road at rush hour. It has limited street lighting, no crossings and in some places no pavements.

"But the Vale of Glamorgan local authority refuses to back down and give him a bus pass."

Stephanie, 47, added: "The decision for my son not to be awarded a pass is outrageous.

"They are putting money before the safety of a young boy.

"I have no way of getting my child to school safely, so what else can I do? I refuse to risk letting him walk."

The family has now asked local MP, John Smith, for help.

He said: "In the wake of the Stuart Cunningham-Jones inquest, at a time where school transport in the Vale is being scrutinised, it is a disgrace that Richard has no safe means of getting to and from school everyday.

"He is expected to walk along one of the most dangerous roads in my constituency. It is simply not acceptable.

"When will this authority realise and wake up to their carelessness? The person responsible for these policies should consider their position."

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesman said: "The Council has received no formal complaint from Mrs Leyshon about the alleged problem with her son's journey to school.

"If she would like to contact us formally, we can then examine the issue further and work with the family to secure Richard's regular attendance at Barry Comprehensive School."