A SCHOOL bus service has changed the location it picks up children after parents complained that youngsters had to cross a busy road.

The service used to pick up pupils going to Robert May’s School, in Odiham, from Vicarage Lane, and Hound Green Close, in Hound Green.

But a few days before the start of the new term, parents were informed that the bus stop would change to Hound Green Garage, meaning that children would have to cross a busy, 40mph road to catch the bus.

Joanna West, headteacher at Robert May’s, said the school had been in touch with Hampshire County Council after hearing about the changes.

She added: “Of course, we here at Robert May’s are always concerned when we learn of unsafe practices, and the health and safety of the students is always of primary concern.”

The council has now apologised for the changes and reinstated the old route.

Councillor Seán Woodward, executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “We apologise for the temporary disruption caused to home-to-school transport for pupils of Hound Green travelling to Robert May’s.

“Some parents were asked to accompany their children to and from an alternative bus stop located on the B3349 while we looked into an issued raised over the new route following a retendering contract.

“One of the stopping points was too small for the school vehicle to be able to manoeuvre in and out of. I’m happy to report that this has now been solved through us arranging for a smaller vehicle to be used, which means that the old pick-up and set down points can now be reinstated.”