PARENTS in Denbighshire may be left without a mode of transport to take their children to and from their Denbigh school after half-term concludes.

Voel Coaches’ private service to St Brigid’s School, Plas-yn-Green, Mold Road, was discontinued after February 17.

The route started at Voel’s depot in Dyserth, and stopped in Meliden, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Rhuddlan and St Asaph enroute to St Brigid’s.

This decision to end the service was made public by Voel more than one month ago, but no alternative arrangement has yet been agreed.

Llandudno-based Alpine Travel was in talks about taking on the service, but cited a “lack of support” from both Denbighshire County Council (DCC) and the school itself in failing to reach an agreement.

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An Alpine spokesperson said: “Following initial discussions, due to lack of support from both DCC and St Brigid’s School, we are unable to see a viable solution.

“Should DCC, St Brigid’s School, or some other entity provide revenue guarantees, then, coach availability allowing, Alpine may be in a position to consider.

“It will be extremely difficult to run a pay-per-ride service on a contractual basis.”

Concerned parents held a meeting last night (February 21) to discuss their options, but with St Brigid’s pupils due to return after half-term next week, nothing concrete has yet been confirmed.

A DCC spokesperson added: “The council is sympathetic to the issue parents and carers are facing.

“However, this was a privately arranged service and was not organised by the council.”

Extracts from a letter, sent from Voel to the parents concerned and shown to the Journal, read: “Our decision was not taken lightly, and many factors had to be considered regarding the operating costs of our entire fleet and driver availability.

“The conclusion to cancel this service is an outcome we hoped to avoid, as Voel Coaches has operated this route successfully over several years and built many positive relationships with the families travelling with us.”

Attempts were made to contact St Brigid’s for further comment.

Previously, Leah Crimes, the school’s headteacher, told the Journal: “Our parents being told that the service is ceasing at half term is very unfair and stress-inducing for the parents and pupils.

“We are desperately trying to resolve this as soon as possible, to either try to overturn the decision at Voel, or to help find an alternative solution.”

Possible alternative options for travel are with the following Arriva buses:

• Morning – number 35 service from Prestatyn Bus Station at 7.20am to Rhuddlan; change to number 51S service to St Brigid’s.

• Afternoon – number 51S service from St Brigid’s to Rhuddlan; change to either number 36 service at 4.12pm and arrive at Prestatyn Bus Station at 4.33pm; or to number 13 service at 4.01pm and arrive at Prestatyn Bus Station at 4.20pm.