Aiken raises Ballyclare school bus issue at Stormont

SOUTH Antrim MLA Steve Aiken has raised the issue of safety for schoolchildren on local roads at Stormont.

He said: “Mr Speaker,

We are, unfortunately, all to used to our public utility companies making changes that defy logic and exacerbate, rather than solve problems.

“Anyone who lives in Ballyclare, or who has children at any of our excellent schools will know the times to avoid the town due to school traffic. There have been ongoing issues with bus timetabling and access along narrow streets, tight car parks, and around the Square.

“The busses pick up close to the school, with the embarking and driving off happening with minutes of the end of school. While this has largely been an encumbrance, it has not led to real concerns about child safety.

“Until now.

“Due to a series of managerial and staff issues Translink have decided to change the bus drop off an pick up areas.

“These changes have particularly affected the pupils of Ballyclare High School and the residents along and in Hillmount Avenue, Rathmena Estate, Rashee Road and Readers Park.

“On last Friday evening I witnessed 300 children walking, or more accurately, stumbling along the pavements and on the roads, towards the new bus stops at Readers Park.

“This is a distance of around 1 mile, along wet, ill lit, and narrow pavements, rushing to get buses within 15 minutes.

“So far several pupils have been left behind by TransLink’s busses leaving in a rush. This is before mid-winter sets in, along pavements and side roads that are seldom, if ever, gritted.

“And Translink’s response to the entreaties of the School’s senior leadership – indifference. I have called previously for Translink to contact me and public representatives to discuss this matter, they have not deigned to do so.

“Mr Speaker, regrettably, it is only a matter of time before an incident occurs. It seems inexplicable that a public service provider, such as Translink, ignores the concerns form those on the ground.

“The question has to be, is why?

“I, and the staff, parents and pupils, and residents of the affected areas in Ballyclare would be delighted if a senior member of Translink management would care to explain the rational of this ridiculous decision, or better still, listened to common sense, and reverted to an arrangement that both works, and is safe.”