DUP Councillor Kathryn Owen is concerned about the welfare of pupils travelling to schools in Downpatrick on school buses.
She said: “In Saintfield we have approximately 150 children that get onto the Downpatrick schools buses at The Square on Comber Street.
“These pupils have to stand on the open pavement getting soaked through and winter is on its way.
“I have a FB page that you might like to follow – @CllrKOwen. There you can follow the issue of the lack of a bus shelter and lend your support and comment.
“As the mother of a Down High School pupil, I’ve noticed the provisions of shelter for children waiting on buses to school is insufficient.
“Approximately, 150 children go to Downpatrick Schools from Saintfield each day and stand along this exposed pavement. Sadly, it is the older children that get on buses first, leaving the little ones in wet weather to get soaked the most. This must also affect their schooling too which also needs to be considered. This is not the best way to start the day for those secondary school pupils.
“I will be speaking to Newry Mourne and Down District Council officers to see if there is some method of providing a shelter for these children, as standing in shop entrances and darting across the road at the sight of their bus is unacceptable, unhealthy and dangerous.”
