WORRIED parents have shown their MP the road they fear is too dangerous for their children to walk after their free school bus was cut.

Oxfordshire County Council stopped the free service from Drayton to Abingdon’s John Mason School this month after the three-mile journey was deemed safe after an inspection. About 20 parents, who have appealed against the move, say an unlit one mile stretch of Abingdon Road is dangerous for youngsters to walk and want the guidelines changed.

Villagers walked Wantage MP Ed Vaizey along the 50mph section of the route on Saturday.

Mum-of-three Karen Sharman, 37, of Church Lane, Drayton, said: “Common sense has not been applied to the guidelines they have got, and the council is stubbornly sticking to rules that are inadequate, rigid and out of date.

“The way they assess routes should be changed and the safety of children should be considered.”

Under the national guidelines, free school travel is available from council on routes more than three miles long or too dangerous to walk.

Mr Vaizey said he hoped a solution could be found.

He said: “I am hear to listen to my constituents’ concerns, that’s my job. But there are guidelines that the council are adhering to.

“I am very happy to bring the sides together to see if we can work together to find a solution.”

John Mason School headteacher Di Mashiter last month said the council’s action was irresponsible.

Thirty four pupils face paying £240 a year to use the school bus or walking to and from school.

Mum-of-two Sarah McNeill, 44, of Lockway, Drayton, said: “It is common sense and the safety of our children. They are not old enough to walk beside this road.

“The speed is 50mph – if a kid steps out they are gone. Any parent in their right mind would be worried.”

Ruth Hudson, 52, of Corneville Road, Drayton, said an accident was likely to happen.

Last month, council spokesman Paul Smith said low income families would get free transport, and spare seats on school buses were available at cheaper rates than public transport.

He added: “The council is observing its own guidelines in implementing this change, and those local guidelines are absolutely in line with national guidelines.”