A family in South Nutfield has been told their children’s free bus passes have been cancelled as there is a three-mile “safe route” to school across fields and over an unguarded railway line.

Joe Massey said the decision by Surrey County Council had left his family feeling “let down” because the route, which he described as “plain dangerous”, was found by officials.

Clare Curran, SCC’s cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, said: “Amidst a set of challenging financial circumstances, the council is not in the position to continue to pay for transport for families”.

The councillor said the family was able to appeal the decision.