A PROTEST by parents against cuts in school transport is gaining momentum.

About 30 people attended a public meeting this week to plan a protest walk.

Organisers hope the walk from the four Catholic primary schools in Darlington, next Wednesday, at 3.30pm, will attract 200 marchers to the town's Catholic secondary school, Carmel College.

Organisers will notify police of the protest and parents at the meeting also agreed to lobby local councillors to oppose the cuts.

They are campaigning against Darlington Borough Council's plan to extend the qualifying distance for free school transport. At present children living within two miles of the nearest or most appropriate school are entitled to free transport. The council wants to extend the limit to three miles and use the money saved for books and equipment.

Many parents are concerned about safety implications and the impact on Carmel College.