CHILDREN who live on Maybole Road may not have the option to get the bus to Alloway Primary School for much longer.

Planning permission to build a new pedestrian crossing on Maybole Road, has already been approved which means that children who live within two miles school will be encouraged to walk using the new system.

They had been offered a bus service as a safety measure. A decision is expected to be made by the Leadership Panel this week. 

There had been hopes for a traffic light system but it seems more likely that a zebra crossing will be put in place at Maybole Road at Laughlanglen Road.

This means that school buses which pick up pupils more than two miles away will still run. The issue was discussed at an Alloway and Doonfoot community council meeting. Those who attended raised concerns about potential outcome. 

Chairwoman Marilyn Dalgleish said: "A lot of people run their kids to school in the car. I suspect that is why the service is being cut as there will be no bus service for pupils who live closer than two miles to the school.

"We have raised concerns but they have not listened to us."

Ian Duncanson added: "I am concerned that something will happen like what happened on Holmston Road."

Mrs Dalgleish continued: "Noone has come to a community council meeting. They never chap our doors."

Concern was also raised about the crossing being put in the wrong place. There are fears that children will ignore it and continue to use the facility at Tesco Express on Maybole Road.

Cllr Martin Dowey responded: "There are people who think this is a good idea but I don't. My children go to Alloway and I do not think that it is a good idea to put lights there."

Douglas Hutchsion, Director of Educational Services, said: "South Ayrshire Council provides free school transport to children who live more than two miles safe walking distance from their catchment primary school 

"In the case of Alloway Primary, a small number of pupils living within 2 miles of the school also get the bus because they would have to cross Maybole Road. 

"The Council is looking to improve crossing facilities on Maybole Road which would result in a much safer walking route to the school and those children living within two miles would no longer require the bus. 

"The free bus service would continue for those living more than two miles away from the school. Any parents affected will be notified in advance."