THE Marches Academy in Oswestry has been criticised again after it chose to continue with a rise in new school bus fees that would see some parents' bills for the new academic year double.

Last month, it was reported that fees for school-operated mini buses would rise from £660 to £1,125 for one child and £900 for subsequent children from the same family.

After a parent raised concerns over the fees, the school in Morda Road, promised to look again at the fees but in a letter sent to parents and guardians, confirmed that the original increase will remain but the sibling charges will be level with a service offered by Lakeside Coaches at £850.

Dave Keighley, a parent at the school, admitted he was disappointed with the school.

He said: "Communication is so poor from the school.

"It’s a shame we still see the costs doubled and just can’t understand how it’s doubled in one year.

"This letter looks like the one that should have been sent out originally, it may well be because prices are the same so it does feel like lip service.

"The school has lost the basic principles of a school with a big void of care for children and their families – it’s run very cut throat and like a corporation."

In the letter, seen by The Advertizer, the school explained the increase in prices was 'overdue and needed'.

It said: "Alongside rising costs, the school needed to audit the minibus and coach service we offer, which had become heavily subsidised.

"The cost to the school to close the gaps between income to run the buses and the true cost had become untenable; this needed to change and was overdue.

"We understand and recognise the new pricing will be a significant rise parents and carers were not expecting or budgeting for and we will continue to run the service for 22/23 at a loss, due to unfilled seats.

"Costs have been calculated per seat and not shared among the number of students on the bus.

"Please be assured, there is no recovery of previous years costs; costings are based on current running costs (lease, safety checks, insurance, fuel, wages, national insurance or hire costs), with discounts applied and shared."

The Marches Academy is also responsible for schools in Whitchurch and Shrewsbury.