A CAMPAIGN against council plans to cut free school transport is gaining momentum.

Parents of children at Skerne Park Primary School, Darlington, are the latest to protest against the borough council's proposals to cut free school transport and use the money saved for books and equipment.

Almost 450 parents at the school have added their names to a petition opposing the plans.

They will also attend a council meeting this week to express their views.

The council's proposals will mean that pupils will have to live at least three miles from their nearest or most appropriate secondary school to qualify for free transport.

At present, pupils living two miles or more from school are eligible for free travel.

Parents of children at the town's four Catholic primary schools have organised a protest walk over the cutback.

Kim Lamb, who has two children at Skerne Park Primary School, said parents were angry about the plan because they fear it could put their children's safety in jeopardy.

She said: "I don't want my child leaving here at half past seven on a morning to get to Hummersknott School for half- eight and having to go through town to catch a bus.

"If there are all these children having to go into town to catch buses it will encourage truancy and fighting with other schools, so any savings will go on policing them in town."

She said: "If they take the transport off and something happens to a child is it really worth it?

"My child is worth more to me than what the council is going to save on transport."

The proposals will not affect children already attending secondary schools in the town, who will continue to receive free transport until they leave.

Mrs Lamb said this would create a ridiculous situation, with some families having one child eligible for free transport with a younger sibling having to walk, or pay for bus travel.

Parents hope to present their petition to Darlington Borough Council leader Councillor John Williams, and have written to him to express their concerns.

They also want as many parents as possible to attend the council meeting at the town hall on Thursday, at 7pm.