A special meeting is to be held to re-visit a decision by senior Pembrokeshire councillors to maintain school catchment areas for Johnston, Neyland and Tiers Cross, despite significant community opposition.
Due to a change in catchment areas the pupils are no longer able to access free transport to Haverfordwest high school, instead coming under the Milford Haven catchment area.
Two petitions calling for the reinstatement of the former catchment areas to access free transport for pupils to Haverfordwest were started in the county last year, effectively reverting to the position that was in place prior to the reorganisation of secondary education provision in Haverfordwest in 2018.
At the February meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet, members backed a recommendation to maintain the current situation.
Since that meeting of February 10, a ‘call-in’ on the decision was successfully made by Welsh Conservative councillors Aled Thomas and Claire George, who represent the Johnston and St Ishmaels wards, backed by the entire Welsh Conservative group on the council.
A special extraordinary Schools and Learning Overview and Scrutiny committee is expected to be held later this month, when the ‘call-in will’ be considered.
Cllr Aled Thomas said: “Thanks to the support of my fellow Pembrokeshire Conservative councillors, we have been able to continue the discussions on this important matter, while the current administration is only concerned with kicking it into the long grass.
“Strong and safe education is the ‘silver bullet’ in making sure our next generation thrives, both when at school age and beyond.
“Boundary changes were forced on Johnston’s residents against their will, and I will do everything I can to fight for my residents’ best interests.”
Cllr Claire George said: “It is a fundamental principle of education that children should feel safe and develop their independence, which means access to appropriate school transport – something which is not workable under the current school catchment area arrangements for my ward.”
“We must ensure that our children are able to travel to and from the school of their choice confidently and safely, giving them the opportunity to flourish in their education.”
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