"Pretty appalled" is the response from MP for Warwick and Leamington Matt Western, towards the leader of Warwickshire County Council's (WCC) most recent policy.

In a statement posted on Facebook, Mr Western shared his views on the council leader's policy, which, if approved, could see children finding themselves walking up to five miles to get to school.

It comes after Cllr George Finch wrote to the Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson asking for permission to increase the current statutory limit before children are eligible for support.

The Reform UK councillor says this would help the council cut a huge annual bill for its home to school transport which currently helps 10,000 kids get to school every day.

Responding to the plans, Mr Western wrote: "Unbelievable! Not sure if he's a parent but suggesting your 8yr old walks 5 miles unaccompanied is irresponsible, dangerous, neglectful .. and downright bonkers.

"So, children would be expected to walk up to 1.5 hours to AND from school every day. Sure, fresh air is good for children (and all for us) but come on, 3 hours of walking just to get to school and then back home is ridiculous."

Mr Western proceeded to give the example of walking five miles from Leamington Town Hall or Shire Hall in Warwick to Abbey Fields in Kenilworth which he said would take almost 2 hours. 

"And the paths are dangerous, and they say they're cutting cycling investment.

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"The Education Secretary is right; it's a Victorian era policy that should be firmly rejected in Warwickshire."

He concluded by stating he would be writing to the Secretary of State to express his "firm disagreement with this policy and any introduction of it in Warwickshire." 

"It's important that the Leader of the Council understands residents' views on this policy and I would urge you to email him to share your views and how this may impact your family."