Parents of students at Malbank School have launched a survey, measuring the impact of the cancelled funded school bus from Willaston village.

Earlier this year, parents of students at Malbank School were informed that from September 2026, the funded bus from Willaston village to Malbank would be cut.

This followed the installation of a crossing at Peacock roundabout, meaning that the route was technically an available walking route.

The journey is just under three miles, most of which takes place along a busy main road.

As part of their campaign against the removal of the bus, students walked the route with headteacher Mr Harrison and it took well over an hour, meaning they would have been late to school.

Parents say it is not safe to let students walk this route themselves, particularly in winter if it's dark and raining.

Sarah Jones is a parent of a student starting at Malbank in September and has voiced her opposition to the cuts, mobilising support of many parents impacted by the change.

They argue that the removal of the bus will have knock-on effects for traffic in the local area and will influence demand for school places.

Parents also said the lack of consultation regarding the change has exacerbated the problem, leaving families facing a significant increase in costs at the start of the next school year with little notice.

Sarah told Nantwich News: "For many families the impact of removing the funding for an essential school bus, particularly with only a few weeks notice is unfathomable. The survey will really help us to understand the practical impact it will have on families day to day.

"I do not believe that anyone genuinely thinks that the walking route CEC have signed off is viable. They are following antiquated national guidance to justify cutting costs regardless of how impracticable and unsafe the route is.

"I do not believe that they have truly thought about or assessed the impact it will have on local families and neither have they considered the safety and wellbeing of the children."

Mr Naismith said: "I'm grateful to Cheshire East Council for providing detailed written responses to the questions submitted by my office on behalf of Nantwich News, Malbank School and parents affected by the cancellation of the bus service to Willaston.

"The council has provided reassurances that funding remains available for those most in need, particularly students with SEND or from households experiencing financial hardship.

"Whilst Cheshire East Council is under no obligation to consult with parents, residents and the school over this change, I am in no doubt prior engagement would have resulted in a better outcome for everyone involved.

"Malbank School has vocal advocates in parents like Sarah Jones and teachers like John Harrison who understand the impact this change will have on the local area and want to communicate that to the council.

"My office will continue to support Sarah in running a survey to capture these views, present them to the council and local bus providers, and hopefully negotiate an arrangement which is affordable for parents, safe for students, and results in less congestion on the roads."

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