Devon County Council propose to withdraw free school transport for students living in Kilmington attending Axe Valley Academy after the the Autumn term. This would mean students crossing the A35 at Kilmington Cross at some of the busiest times of the day, and in the dark during the winter months. In a survey report conducted by DCC in 2009, the walking route to Axminster was considered unavailable, due mainly to the danger of crossing the A35, this road has only got busier since that time, and a meagre speed reduction of only 10mph (imposed since then) makes little or no difference to the safety of anyone crossing the road. Walking along the narrow pavement on Gammons Hill is in itself dangerous and frightening, with large lorries passing within 10cm of the kerb at 50mph, the turbulence caused is more than enough to drag an adult off balance. 

Kilmington has campaigned for many years for a further speed reduction and a safe crossing on the A35, neither of which seem to be forthcoming. DCC suggest using the cycle route via Southview Lane as an alternative, but as signposts highlight on all approaches to this route, it is liable to flooding, and the underpass is often ankle deep in sludge. This route is also unlit and remote making student's safeguarding a problem.

Axe Valley Academy is our local catchment school, and although Kilmington is slightly under the 3 mile threshold, below which transport provision is not obligatory, the walking routes to school are not safe.

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