Following the Council meeting on 10 December 2025 and the passing of the motion on Safe Walking Routes, we have now received a formal Stage 1 response from South Lanarkshire Council regarding the Sandford–Strathaven walking route.
The response confirms that, despite the motion being passed and safety concerns being acknowledged in the chamber, there will be no change to winter maintenance arrangements for school walking routes.
In summary, Mr David Hinshelwood has confirmed that:
- Most footways used by schoolchildren are not routinely gritted or treated in winter,
- Walking routes to school are only treated in limited circumstances or during prolonged severe weather
- The current winter maintenance policy remains unchanged,
- Children are still expected to walk these routes daily following the removal of school transport.
This response makes it clear that although the Council has recognised safety concerns in principle, no practical measures have been put in place to reduce the risks children face when walking in icy, flooded or dark conditions.
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What Actions Are Now Being Taken
In light of this response:
- The complaint is being escalated to the next stage within South Lanarkshire Council,
- The Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) has been formally updated with this new information,
- MPs, MSPs and local councillors are being briefed on the Council’s confirmed position,
- Further evidence, including photos and videos of the route in winter conditions, continues to be gathered.
This response strengthens the case that the Sandford–Strathaven route is being treated as “safe” while knowingly receiving no winter protection, despite children having no alternative following transport cuts.
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Why This Matters
The Council has now clearly stated that:
- Transport has been removed,
- Walking routes will not be made safer in winter,
- Responsibility is being managed through policy rather than risk reduction.
This is exactly why the petition remains so important. Recognition alone does not keep children safe, action does.
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What You Can Do
- Please continue to share the petition - https://www.change.org/SandfordSafety
- Report and document unsafe conditions,
- Raise concerns with elected representatives,
- Support calls for a full reassessment of the route and reinstatement of transport where walking is unsafe.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support this campaign. We will keep pushing until a safe and fair solution is in place for all affected pupils.