IN this week's Hereford Times, Herefordshire councillor Terry James says the proposed changes to the county's transport system is a "crackpot scheme" that could "destroy" education in many parts of the county.

In my opinion, he is right.

As reported in last week's paper, hundreds of Herefordshire pupils would have to attend schools outside of the county if parents wanted to – or had to continue relying on free transport. Pupils would only be given a free bus ride to their nearest school.

That would replace the current provision of free transport to either the nearest school, or crucially, a school in the catchment area.

Does Herefordshire Council not understand the importance of a child's education and how these changes could have a detrimental effect on their lives?

The plan would particularly affect pupils living close to the county's border because the nearest school could be in Shropshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire or even Wales.

Many parents may have to opt to send children to John Beddoes School in Presteigne, if free transport was a real issue for them – a different education system - not to mention the possibility of their having to learn Welsh.

In my opinion, parents should be able to choose which school to send their children, but many could be denied this because they won't be able to afford to pay for school transport.

Children could also be split up from their friends, which could cause them many problems.

I know Herefordshire Council has to make cuts, but at the expense of children?

I hope an alternative solution can be found.