It'sa sorry state of affairs that, in the 21st century, we are in a situation where two youngsters face being unable to get to school regularly because the local authority cannot afford their transport.

But that is the situation that the families of Louise Cox and Jade Lees find themselves in.

The two youngsters both have learning difficulties and attend Crowdy's Hill School in Gorse Hill.

But because their homes are just inside the three mile limit for those now qualifying for council-funded taxis, they have lost their right to free transport due to council cutbacks.

Neither family wants their child to walk the hour-long trek to and from Gorse Hill. And both families face the prospect of one parent giving up work to do the school run.

They are appealing against the decision, but that process could take up to three months.

Meabnwhile two children are losing valuable schooling.

To give the council its due, it ran a recruitment campaign in the summer to get people to walk special needs children to school, but it was unsuccessful.

We hope the council is able to reverse its decision, but in the meantime perhaps a neighbour may be able to step in and help. Give us a call at the Evening Advertiser if you can.