PARENTS in East Lancashire are being urged to make sure they secure their child’s Education Travelpass before the deadline this month.

Any parent who has received a letter and application form about transport for pupils transferring to secondary school in September 2015 and who may be entitled to help should return the completed application by Friday, July 17.

This will guarantee that a new pass is received for the start of the new term.

Anyone who thinks their child may be entitled to help with travel costs when they start secondary school, and who has not received an application form, should contact the School Transport Line on 0300 123 6738.

County Cllr Azhar Ali, who represents Nelson South, said: “Anything concerning children’s education is really important.

“If you have had a letter and are entitled to the help then get the form completed early — do not leave it too late. If the help is available and is being offered then make sure you take it.”

Any sixth former who has previously travelled on a school bus contracted by the county council may be able to continue to do this, as long as there are seats available, by purchasing a travel season ticket.

Primary-school pupils from Year 1 to Year 6 and secondary-school children from Year 8 to Year 11 who received help with transport last year and whose circumstances have not changed will receive their passes shortly after the end of July.

Pupils attending secondary schools and moving into the sixth form are no longer entitled to transport assistance.

Children who use taxi transport provided by the county council to primary and secondary schools will no longer receive a pass for these journeys. Parents will be informed of new transport arrangements by Friday, August 14.

Transport costs on school buses funded by the county council have increased from Tuesday, September 1, with fares for journeys up to three miles £1.30, between three miles and eight miles £1.95, and over eight miles £2.45.