Parents are marching in protest as their children face an 'unsafe' walk to school.

The announcement that the bus service shuttling little ones between the Blenheim Grange estate and St Peter and St Paul Primary Academy in Carbrooke, near Watton, is being axed in December has not just rattled mums and dads.

After the plans were announced months ago, Norfolk Constabulary warned that 'the proposed route has the potential of creating an unacceptable risk of harm to young children and members of the public' and Mid Norfolk MP George Freeman said the council's decision 'beggar's belief'.

Roxanne Billing, a parent who organised the march, said: 'We are not alone, MP George Freeman and the police have also raised concerns.

'There's a lot of dog mess and the path doesn't go all the way to school, you have to walk on the road with grass verges.

'I think it's unsafe. With nights drawing in, there are no street lights and we know how cold it is – I feel for them.'

Trying to save their children from having to make the mile-and-a-half journey to the school gates in 'freezing temperatures' and 'pouring rain', between 15 and 20 adults will walk the bus route at 8am on Monday, November 2, in protest.

Wearing high-visibility jackets and carrying banners and placards, the march is their last chance to make a difference.

Alexis Brand, interim headteacher of St Peter and St Paul Primary Academy, said: 'Our main concern is the safety of the children and parents walking along the designated route.

'The school has great sympathy for them.'

Norfolk County Council outlined that because the path – which is undergoing improvements – measures less that two miles, children are not eligible for free transport.

A spokesman added: 'The change will save council taxpayers approximately £60,000 per year.

'Some children will still be eligible for transport, because of their family circumstances or children's specific needs and alternative transport will be provided for them.'

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