Sherwood MP Mark Spencer takes a ride to Rainworth school as part of fact-finding mission

Having been contacted by parents concerned that the number 20 bus to Mansfield, which is used for pupils of Joseph Whitaker School in Rainworth, is dangerously overcrowded, Mr Spencer decided to see for himself and joined pupils on the 7.30am bus last Friday for the nine mile journey.

“It was important for me to see the conditions on the bus for myself having listened to a worried mum concerned that the kids were standing up on the bus despite the bends and turns on the journey,” he said.

“Ideally, given demand is high, parents would like to see a dedicated school bus, but there isn’t quite enough volume to justify the extra service.

“I am keen to reach a solution though and I’ve written to both Stagecoach and Notts County Council to see what improvements can be made to the service and perhaps we could arrange a larger bus for term times.”