U-turn over transport to college

Council bosses have reversed a decision not to provide transport for some students to a new multi-million pound college on Teesside.

Students in Skinningrove and Carlin How were told they would not be given transport to the Freebrough Specialist Engineering College.

But following pleas from parents and local councillors on safety grounds, the decision has been reversed.

Redcar and Cleveland Council agreed the walking journey would be too dangerous.

Free transport

The £13m complex, which is due to open in January, replaces the existing college, which is split based on three sites at Loftus, Brotton and Skelton.

Redcar and Cleveland Council's cabinet member for education, Steve Kay said: "We are now in a position to inform parents that we can offer free home to school transport for more children going to Freebrough in January.

"I have had representations from ward councillors, who all asked for the walking route to be reviewed on safety grounds.

"Following our reassessment we can make home to school transport available to the children concerned."