PARENTS have expressed their dismay after Environment decided that children who live within a mile of their school would no longer be guaranteed a seat on a school bus.

The department informed parents of the change by letter earlier this week but many said the decision was ‘ridiculous’.

Under the changes, which come into force on 5 December, inbound pupils may still be picked up within a mile of the school – but only if there is room.

But after school, bus drivers will not set down any passengers until the first official stopping point, approximately a mile from their school.