Last Reepham High family eligible for free bus pass

Families from Cawston who had been applying for passes for their 11-year-old children who are due to start at Reepham High in September had originally been told they were not eligible.  

The dispute caused uproar because older siblings from the same household were able to travel for free.  

Two of the three families previously reported on by this newspaper were later granted passes. 

Ollie with his mum Carly Walton, Freddy with his mum Sophie Raven, and James with his dad Allan Wright, standing at a bus stop in Cawston (Image: Newsquest)

However, the remaining parent was explicitly told by North County Council her son was not eligible.

But now Carly Walton, 38, who lives near the High Street in Cawston, was sent a free bus pass for her son, Ollie, in the post, just two weeks after the initial refusal.  

The council gave no explanation to her on why it had changed its decision.  

"The whole situation has been needlessly stressful,” she said.  

“I'm glad the council has backtracked and now we can all focus on getting the children settled into starting high school." 

Marriott's Way between Cawston and Reepham (Image: Google Maps)

Cawston councillor Dave Thomas said: “I am pleased that the parents who were initially refused a pass for 26/27 have been granted one.” 

Councillor Dave Thomas next to bus stop (Image: Supplied)

Eligibility criteria had changed due to a software update and the walking route being updated.  

The new route follows Marriotts Way, an unlit footpath which runs along open fields.  

The walking route suggested by Norfolk County Council, which takes children through Marriott's Way (Image: Submitted)

“As for Marriots Way being a safe year-round option for a walking route for young school children I remain unconvinced,” Mr Thomas said.

“Any parent in Cawston who has a concern should raise them via the proper route to Head of Passenger Transport at Travel and Transport at County Hall.  

“I'll be supporting parents with this.”