A MEETING has been organised to discuss plans to scrap free concessionary school bus travel in Darlington.

Parents opposed to the proposal will meet at St Augustine's Parish Centre, Darlington, at 7.30pm next Wednesday.

Organisers hope it will result in pressure continuing to be applied on Darlington Borough Council to throw out the plan.

The authority decided to extend consultation over the proposal after widespread concern was expressed by parents who want their children to go to a Catholic school.

Under the proposals, pupils who live less than three miles from their school will have to pay £50 a term for a travel pass.

The majority of people will be unaffected, because there are a number of comprehensive schools around the town, giving parents a choice.

But because there is only one Catholic comprehensive school in Darlington, Carmel RC College of Technology, parents seeking a Catholic education for their children argue that they have no option but to pay for a bus pass.

This has angered many residents, who believe they are being discriminated against.

Although Darlington council consulted parents about the issue, by sending notes home with pupils, it has now written to all parents directly, to seek their views, before a decision is made.

The consultation period will be extended to the end of September.