Parents of students at Malbank School & Sixth Form in Nantwich have launched a survey to measure the impact of Cheshire East Council’s decision to cancel the funded school bus from Willaston village from September 2026.
The council designated the journey an “available walking route” after installing a crossing at Peacock Roundabout. Parents and teachers say the almost three-mile route — largely along a busy main road — takes well over an hour each way. Students walked the route with headteacher Mr Harrison and would have arrived late for school.
Sarah Jones, whose child is due to start at Malbank in September, has mobilised parents affected by the change. Families argue the cut will increase costs with little notice, affect traffic locally, and influence demand for school places. They also say the lack of consultation has made the situation worse.
In collaboration with Connor Naismith MP, Sarah has launched a survey asking parents, students and residents for their views on current transport options and the impact on local traffic. The MP and Ms Jones plan to present the findings to Cheshire East Council and local bus providers in September, with a view to negotiating a more sustainable and affordable transport option for students in the area.
Sarah Jones said:
“For many families the impact of removing the funding for an essential school bus, particularly with only a few weeks notice is unfathomable. The survey will really help us to understand the practical impact it will have on families day to day.
“I do not believe that anyone genuinely thinks that the walking route CEC have signed off is viable. They are following antiquated national guidance to justify cutting costs regardless of how impracticable and unsafe the route is.
“I do not believe that they have truly thought about or assessed the impact it will have on local families and neither have they considered the safety and wellbeing of the children.”
Connor Naismith MP said:
“I’m grateful to Cheshire East Council for providing detailed written responses to the questions submitted by my office on behalf of Nantwich News, Malbank School and parents affected by the cancellation of the bus service to Willaston. The Council has provided reassurances that funding remains available for those most in need, particularly students with SEND or from households experiencing financial hardship.
“However, from their responses, it is clear that decisions regarding the consultation of stakeholders and representations to transport providers have been made based on what is necessary instead of what is possible.
“Whilst Cheshire East Council is under no obligation to consult with parents, residents and the school over this change, I am in no doubt that prior engagement would have resulted in a better outcome for everyone involved. Malbank School has vocal advocates in parents like Sarah Jones and teachers like John Harrison who understand the impact this change will have on the local area and want to communicate that to the Council.
“My office will continue to support Sarah in running a survey to capture these views, present them to the Council and local bus providers, and hopefully negotiate an arrangement which is affordable for parents, safe for students, and results in less congestion on the roads.”
Further information on Cheshire East Council’s decision to designate the Willaston–Malbank journey an available walking route is available in this FAQ document.
