Tom Morrison pushes for improvements to 758B Bus in Heald Green

Parents and students in Heald Green have been left frustrated and concerned following sudden changes to the 758B school bus timetable, which have forced students attending The Kingsway School to arrive nearly 50 minutes before school gates open. This has led to serious safeguarding concerns, with children left unsupervised in the cold and dark. Many parents have expressed concerns that young children, some as young as 11, are being left vulnerable in unsafe conditions, particularly during the winter months when it is dark in the mornings. Additionally, due to the lack of shelter, students are having to wait outside in rain and cold weather with no supervision.

Tom Morrison MP has been inundated with complaints from parents who were given no prior consultation about the changes and only discovered them through social media or last-minute announcements. Many parents now feel they have no choice but to drive their children to school, causing increased congestion in the local area and adding to environmental concerns.

The changes appear to have been made to accommodate students at St James’ Catholic High School, with Kingsway students left disadvantaged as a result. The lack of communication and transparency surrounding this decision has caused significant frustration among affected families.

Tom immediately took action by writing to Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), demanding an urgent meeting to discuss the issue and urging them to reconsider the decision. He also reached out to the Headteacher of The Kingsway School, who confirmed that the school had not been properly informed about the changes and had only received notice via an unmanned email inbox over the half-term break. The school has since been trying to clarify the situation with TfGM but has struggled to get in touch with the relevant officials.

In his letter to the Head of Bus Services at TfGM (which you can read below), Tom expressed his deep dismay at both the impact on students and the failure to properly communicate the changes to parents and the school. He has called for an urgent review of the decision and for TfGM to work with Kingsway School and affected families to find a more practical solution. Suggestions from parents include reverting the timetable back to its previous schedule, providing separate bus services for Kingsway and St James’ students, or ensuring that Kingsway School opens its gates and doors earlier to accommodate affected pupils.

Tom has made it clear that he will continue to push for answers and a fair resolution for students and parents. If you have been affected by this issue, please get in touch with his office to share your experience and concerns.