Tragedy prompts bus safety review (From Barry And District News)

Tragedy prompts bus safety review

THE SHOCKING accident that killed a 12-year old Vale of Glamorgan boy has led to a massive review into school transport.

Stuart Cunningham-Jones was yards away from his Ystradowen home when the double decker bus he was travelling on crashed into a tree.

Last week, just minutes after the inquest verdict of accidental death was recorded, his parents Joanna and David hit out at the Crown Prosecution Service for their decision not to prosecute the boys who had been disturbing the driver before the accident.

Now the Vale of Glamorgan Council has acknowledged the verdict and has promised to consider the issues raised during the hearing.

A spokesman said: "The council has already taken a number of actions and will continue its process of review now that the inquest verdict is known. It awaits formal notification from the coroner of those issues he particularly feels should be addressed."

The school transport arrangements along the route have already been altered and parents have been surveyed on their views. A review of the council's school transport policies and procedures has begun and the council has pledged to continue working with schools, parents and operators to ensure the service provided is appropriate.

The Welsh Assembly Government is to undertake a review of transport matters and the Vale of Glamorgan, in partnership with the Welsh Local Government Associa-tion, will play a full and active part in that process.

The spokesman added: "The past 13 months have been traumatic for all those involved in the Ystradowen accident and we extend our sympathies to all those families involved.

"Both the council and colleagues at Cowbridge Comp-rehensive School are committed to providing continued support to both parents and pupils. The school is currently working with Mr and Mrs Cunningham-Jones on providing a permanent memorial to Stuart at the school."