Strangford Bus crash highlighted at Westminster by Jim Shannon MP
Following the crash of the school bus at Carrowdore in the Ards area over a week ago, Strangford MP Jim Shannon has raised the issue in the Commons and said: “As we now come to over a week from the terrible Strangford bus crash I wanted to express my sincere thanks to those who have been so diligently supporting the children in the aftermath.
“When I heard the news my stomach absolutely sank into my boots as anxious parents and grandparents were contacting me asking what they could do.
“Since then whilst the news has went silent, I know the after-effect that some children are going through now and the work that the school has been putting in to see to their welfare and this should be recognised and congratulated.
“The pupils are not simply sore in their bodies, but some are frightened and concerned and the school has recognised this and worked with Translink to put on single deck busses for the rest of the month and to have counsellors available for the children to access to talk it through.
“A number of parents have expressed to me that they felt supported by the school in a very worrying time and that is to be praised.”
Mr Shannon added: “Last week I raised the great jobs done by the emergency services and the school in the chamber at Westminster and the Secretary of State for NI, Hillary Benn MP responded saying: “With your permission, Mr Speaker, I echo what the hon. Gentleman said about that bus crash.
“I must say that, when I first read the report, I was very fearful – I think we all were—about what might have been the consequences.
“I think the response of the emergency services was terrific, and I wish all those who were injured the very best for the future. I understand that the school is providing support, because it must have been and is still a very traumatic experience for the students who were on the bus.”
“It is good to see the hard work of the school and emergency services being highlighted as best practice in the House of Commons”.
