A NEW initiative has been set up by angry parents, following the decision to scrap buses travelling to and from three West Devon primary schools after Easter.

Pupils who used to take the bus to Buckland Monachorum, Meavy and Walkhampton primary schools will have to make their own way on their return from the Easter holidays.

Parents say that families are now faced with the decision either to walk their children to school down narrow and dangerous lanes, share with friends or join the daily school run in their own cars — adding to the already bad congestion in all three villages.

With weekly meetings, pressure on local politicians, media campaigns and protests at Yelverton roundabout, the Parents Initiative to save Yelverton School Buses is trying to engage Devon County Council to find a solution for everybody.

Chairman of the group Susanne Martin said: 'There are still buses running to and from these three villages, but not at a suitable time for the school run.'

The parents are campaigning to get the timetables amended so that villagers and school children alike can use those buses.

'This does not only affect the children and their families, it also has a negative impact on the whole community,' said Susanne.

Anyone who would like to know more or who would like to join and support the campaign and its protests can contact the group by emailing [email protected]">[email protected]

Susanne added: 'Please add your voice to this and save Yelverton school buses.

'Letters of support are welcome too, to County Cllr Philip Sanders or Geoffrey Cox, MP for West Devon and Torridge, at [email protected]">[email protected] and [email protected]">[email protected]

The next protest is at Yelverton roundabout at 8am on May 11.