ONLY the poorest schoolchildren could be entitled to free bus travel in a proposed shake-up of transport services designed to save more than £350,000.

At present, Middlesbrough Council provides discretionary free transport to allow pupils to attend their nearest faith school on the grounds of religion or belief if they live outside the statutory walking distance of two miles for primary and three miles for secondary schools.

Faced with having to reduce its budget by £50m over four years, the council is planning to scrap free travel from the 2013-14 academic year onwards, except for those students with a statutory entitlement on the grounds of low income.

Free travel would also continue for pupils who already benefit from it while pupils remain at their school or until they change address.

A council spokesman said that over six years the changes would result in a savings of more than £350,000.

However, Middlesbrough Diocese, which oversees Roman Catholic education in the town, said savings should be made elsewhere.

A consultation exercise on the proposals will run until Friday, December 16.

Councillor Mike Carr, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for children, families and learning, said: "Many local authorities across the country have already withdrawn their discretionary denominational transport service, but it's important that we hear people's views before a decision is taken in Middlesbrough.

"We are committed to supporting children to access school and will continue to support and protect those on the lowest incomes and those children with special educational needs. These are tough economic times and it is more important than ever that we ensure resources are targeted in the most cost-effective way that benefits those most in need." Public consultation meetings have been arranged at 6pm next Thursday, and 6pm on Thursday, December 8, both at Trinity Catholic College, Saltersgill Avenue, Middlesbrough.

Dr JimWhiston, of Middlesbrough Diocese, said: "Our view is quite simple, we will oppose this.We are consulting at the moment. We recognise the council has pressures on it, but we think that removing the free transport should be low on its priorities."

To take part in the consultation process, write to Gary Maddison at Middlesbrough Council, PO Box 501, Vancouver House, Gurney Street, Middlesbrough TS1 9FU, or call 01642-728722.