CAMPAIGNING parents want to set up a dedicated bus route to take their children from Thurrock to grammar schools in Chelmsford.

A petition has been launched urging parents with children who will be attending schools in the county town in September to band together and support a special paid-for bus service.

The bus service, would stop off at agreed destinations across the borough, would be provided by bus company First providing there is at least 30 children involved.

Mamta Gupta’s ten-year-old daughter Pirya will be going to Chelmsford High School for Girls in September and the concerned mum wants to ensure that her daughter has a safe means of getting to school.

Mrs Gupta, 41, from Grays, said: “It would give me more piece of mind for me and my daughter knowing she was on a dedicated bus service.

“When we found out that she was going to the school we started looking at transport arrangements and found that there was no direct route to Chelmsford and it would take them at least two hours to get there.

“It would mean that they would be tired for their studies and it will be daunting anyway because it will be a new school for them.

“A bus service to grammar schools in Southend has already been set up by parents and the bus company.”

The group has been told it will take three months to arrange the service and is keen to get as many people involved as possible.

Mrs Gupta added: “We already have seven parents who are interested and we would pay for monthly bus passes.

“This solution would be the best for the children.”

First Buses was unavailable for comment.

To support the bus service, e-mail thurrock2chelmsford@hotmail.com.