PARLIAMENTARY hopeful Will Straw will host a meeting at The Barlow Institute in Edgworth to talk about changes to school transport in the village.

Mr Straw, who will fight for the Darwen seat at next year’s general election for Labour, will be alongside Blackburn with Darwen Council executive member for schools Councillor Dave Harling for the event, which is at 5pm.

Invitations have gone out to Turton High School, Canon Slade and Turton and Edgworth Primary School, as well as to households in Edgworth and Chapeltown, with parents urged to attend and discuss any concerns they might have.

Mr Straw said: “I have been contacted by a number of people who are concerned about Blackburn with Darwen Council’s consultation on school transport.

“As a result, I have been to see council leader Councillor Kate Hollern and the executive member for schools and education, Cllr Dave Harling, to find out why they are necessary.

“They have explained that the changes are due to the £31 million of additional cuts the council needs to make over the next three years.

“This will affect the fare system for ‘discretionary transport’ where the council has no legal obligation to provide school transport.

“I have been reassured, however, that there are no plans to terminate the bus service from Edgworth to Canon Slade or Turton High School, nor will any statutory services, for example for low income families or dangerous journeys, be affected.

“This meeting on Friday gives parents an opportunity to find out more about the reasons for the changes and put their questions and concerns to Cllr Harling.”