A MEETING has been arranged to discuss a row over the withdrawal of concessionary bus passes from children in Trimdon Station.

Parents of the 43 children affected by the decision will put their grievances to officers of Durham County Council.

The meeting will take place in Deaf Hill Primary School, Trimdon Station, at 6pm tonight.

The pupils, who attend Sedgefield Community College, do not qualify for free passes because it is not their nearest school.

Because the number of seats on school buses were reduced this year, the Trimdon Station children have had their reduced fare passes withdrawn.

Parents have said they believe there is enough space on buses to accommodate their children and have accused the council of double standards.

The meeting has been arranged by County Councillor Morris Nicholls. He said the meeting would enable parents to put their case forward, but will also give the council a chance to explain the reasons behind the decision.

He said: "It's the first time in many years I've had such a large number of youngsters caught up in this.

"This is not the fault of myself or the council, it's just that this is not the nearest school for those kids. People have the right to choose a school for their kids, but we have to draw a line somewhere."