PRESSURE from angered parents regarding a temporary bus service has led Somerset County Council into a U-turn.

A group of North Petherton parents were dismayed to find out their children would be dropped off directly on the A38 rather than directly at Robert Blake Academy in Bridgwater.

Some parents were only informed of the temporary arrangement caused by roadworks just days before term started.

The pupils, many of whom were 11-year-olds new to the school, were forced to walk through a busy housing estate and the bus was frequently late, particularly when picking up the students up after school.

The parents were also baffled that a second school bus travelling from North Petherton to Robert Blake Academy did drop the children directly at the school.

But pressure and petitioning from the parents paid off and a letter has been sent round informing parents that their children will now be dropped directly at the school.

A spokesman for North Petherton Parents group said it was good news and that common sense had prevailed.

"We are really pleased that at last someone at County Hall has listened! This was never an issue about our children having to walk to the school, it was about their safety," she said.