Transport in Gulberwick: Bad Weather Issues

The Gulberwick community has suffered from changes to planned transport due to bad weather in the local area.  The most common problem is snow, frost and ice causing Stunkin Brae to be impassable.  This can occur with little or no warning in the winter months and often while the A970 main road remains in use.  Gritting is not always sufficient to keep the road open.  It is a particular problem for pupils who daily travel on the school bus services. 

Following a number of incidences in November and December several parents of Gulberwick pupils raised concerns with SIC Transport Service highlighting a number of issues related to bad weather affecting school transport.  These included lack of communication about whether the school buses would come into Gulberwick or stay on the main road, concern at the risks in being dropped off and using unlit footpaths between Gulberwick and the, lack of suitable turning places.

SIC Transport responded by meeting with community representatives and agreeing to investigate problems and seek solutions or alternatives.  This started on 13 January with a well attended meeting in the community hall where concerned parents, local members and community representatives met with local transport operators Peter Leask and Andrew Nicolson and raised a number of safety related issues.

A total of 20 issues has been raised and will be discussed further with:

·         parents and carers of those who use school transport to and from Gulberwick;

·         community representatives and elected members;

·         bus operators, and

·         SIC Transport, SIC Safety and Risk Dept and SIC Schools Service.

If you have any comments, please advise Maurice on msmullay@aol.com or Billy on billy.thompson@shetland.gov.uk

Use this link to see the   Bad Weather Contingency Plan