HEXHAM'S MP urged residents to share their views on a public consultation for local transport.

MP Joe Morris said: "This week marked Remembrance Day, giving us the opportunity to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Our constituency is a proud one, home to many veterans and barracks still in operation whose service we must reflect on and give thanks to. I had the honour of attending the act of remembrance organised by Hexham Town Council and a service at County Hall in Morpeth. I am also pleased that wreaths were laid on behalf of my office at memorials across the constituency.

"This Tuesday (November 12) I led my third Westminster Hall debate, this time focusing on a matter that is frequently brought to my attention by constituents: school transportation in Northumberland. Concerns over inadequate transport provisions in our constituency are escalating, with concerned parents being at the centre. 

"In my maiden speech to Parliament, I highlighted the right every child has to access great education and the power state education can have in uplifting communities. However, the fantastic work of educational institutions across our constituency are undermined by current transport shortcomings.

"Where public transport is concerned, parents have reported buses not running to schedules or outright cancellations leading to students being penalised for school lateness. However, in a constituency with such remote areas many school transport routes are provided by the local council who cannot always meet the demand. I have been told by parents of instances where only one of their children has been approved for local authority transport, forcing parents into long and unnecessary journeys alongside a half-full school bus.

"The situation becomes more challenging for SEND students who often have to travel further distances to receive appropriate educational support with my office being told of Educational Health and Care Plans that fail to take this into account.

"School transport provisions must ensure that no child’s education is compromised by geography or financial circumstance, and decisive action is needed by local authorities to ensure children arrive to school on time and ready to learn.

"Our Mayor Kim McGuinness, continues to work tirelessly on plans to improve local transport across our region. To help achieve these ambitious plans and make sure they work for the people using these services, the Mayor’s office has launched a public consultation for the local transport plan - covering everything from public transport to roads, safety, fares and integration. Please consider sharing your views at https://www.northeast-ca.gov.uk/localtransportplan to ensure we have a transport plan that reflects the needs of our region."