The Crewe and Nantwich MP has written to Cheshire East Council over the axing of a free Nantwich school bus, affecting pupils travelling between Willaston and Malbank School.

Parents, school leaders and local representatives have called for Cheshire East o undertake meaningful consultation before any decisions are finalised.

The Council has reclassified the journey as a "safe walking route," despite being just under the statutory limit of three miles with an estimated walking time of 60 minutes.

This change means that funded bus fares along the route will be withdrawn.

The issue was first raised with Connor Naismith MP in early 2025 following proposals linked to the reassessment of the walking route after the installation of the Toucan crossing at the Peacock Roundabout.

Connor Naismith MP has written to Cheshire East over the axing of a free Nantwich school bus from Willaston to Malbank School (Photo: Supplied).

Since then, Mr Naismith, Malbank School, parents and local councillors have sought to engage constructively with Cheshire East while allowing Highways and Education teams the opportunity to undertake their work and route testing following the opening of the crossing in January 2026.

However, concerns remain regarding the potential future withdrawal of free school transport eligibility for some Willaston pupils attending Malbank School.

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Mr Naismith has now written formally to the council again requesting further clarification regarding consultation arrangements, safeguarding considerations, vulnerable pupils and any Equality Impact Assessments associated with future transport eligibility decisions.

The MP said: "While I support investment in safer walking and cycling infrastructure, I do not accept the installation of a crossing automatically resolves the wider safeguarding, welfare and practical concerns associated with expecting children to undertake this journey on foot.

"This is an issue which has understandably caused significant concern amongst parents and the wider school community, particularly in relation to vulnerable pupils, lengthy walking times and the realities of winter travel conditions.

"I believe families deserve meaningful consultation and reassurance before any final decisions are taken."

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