PARENTS have until Friday to give their views about controversial proposed changes to the school transport policy in Wrexham.

Wrexham Council wants to change rules for transport across the county borough so children only receive free transport to their nearest available school.

However, the policy means pupils from Chirk, who traditionally go to Ysgol Dinas Brân in Llangollen, will only be offered free transport to Ysgol Rhiwabon.

Chirk councillors Terry Evans and Ian Roberts are urging parents to  get their views across before the three-month public consultation ends on February 26.

Cllr Roberts said the feeling among parents in Chirk was strong because Dinas Brân had been the traditional school to attend for more than 100 years.

Chairman for Chirk Town Council, Hilary Spragg, said: “We are fully behind the parents in this fight. If the free transport is taken away it will split families and communities.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure Wrexham Council are taking a proper look at it.”

Following the end of the public consultation a future executive meeting will consider the policy.

Chirk councillors estimate the cost of paying for transport to Ysgol Dinas Brân could be about £1.80 a day per child.

Cllr Ian Roberts, who covers Chirk North, said: “It will push people to use cars to take their children to school which is bad for the carbon footprint and against Welsh Assembly guidelines.”

Chirk councillors say they are hoping to organise a visit to the Welsh Assembly in Cardiff to further protest against the proposals.

Mrs Spragg added: “We are asking everyone in the community who feels this is an issue they wish to support to write in or email.”

You can write to John Davies, Chief Learning and Achievement Officer, Wrexham County Borough Council, 16 Lord Street, Wrexham, LL11 1LG or respond via the website www.wrexham.gov.uk/ schooltransport.