A COUNCIL has vowed to try and tackle potential transport issues in a village caused by a controversial secondary school.

Farnham Royal Parish Council decided at its meeting on Monday to try and press Bucks County Council (BCC) on its policy regarding home to school transport to Khalsa Secondary Academy in Stoke Poges.

Both Stoke Poges Parish Council and South Bucks District Council are taking legal action against the decision made by Eric Pickles, the secretary of state for communities and local government, to allow the school to stay at the site.

The Sikh-faith school based at Pioneer House in Hollybush Hill is now the closest secondary school to Farnham Common and Farnham Royal, and councillors said that action needs to be taken.

Cllr Trevor Clapp said: “We should not sit back and wait for a decision on the legal challenge, and still try and resolve the county council’s position on transport.” Councillors are concerned that there is no public transport links or footpaths from the Farnhams to the school, and that free transport would be unavailable due to the school being located just under three miles from the villages.

BCC policy states that free transport is given to pupils attending the nearest school if it is further than three miles away, but also if there is no safe walking route.

Cllr Heidi Hodgkins added: “Surely we should be seen to be doing something? It has gone on for some time and we have sat back and watched things unravel.

“People are getting worried about it and we have to do something.” The parish council will await further information from BCC before deciding on its next steps.