AN OUTRAGED parent has started a fundraising campaign in a bid to reinstate day trips for her daughter’s out of school care after the free bus was “removed”.

Sarah McDade was surprised to learn the Dalmuir Out of School Care Group – which provides services for youngsters from Clydemuir, Our Lady or Loretto and St Stephens primaries – was forced to pull back the number of large day trips it runs during the school holidays.

The group claimed West Dunbartonshire Council offered a free bus service for five larger trips – such as Blair Drummond Safari Park and Ayr Beach – around the country every year but the service would now only cover two trips.

Sarah told the Post: “It’s annoying because the kids are suffering because they’re not getting to as good trips as last year.

“This summer we have noticed a big difference. They used to have five big trips to the likes of Ayr and the Safari Park but this year it’s just two.

“I’ve started a Facebook page and given out leaflets and we’ve already put plans in place for a Christmas fair but it’s hard.”

Sarah, whose daughter Melanie has attended the group since primary one, explained parents had taken to fundraising in order to fill the gap they claim was left by the council, but admitted it was a “struggle”.

Pupils, including Melanie, now aged 10, are taken on daily trips where public transport is an option, such as nearby Balloch or Helensburgh, however, with such a large group in tow it would be too difficult to travel further afield without private transportation.

Elaine Kelly, joint project co-ordinator at the group, said: “West Dunbartonshire Council used to give us a free bus to take us out.

“Now we need to do a bit more of a fundraising effort but it’s not going well because people are already paying their [attendance] fees but they don’t have the money to give any more.”

However, the council insist the bus has not been removed, instead it has encouraged Clydebank groups to apply for its use throughout the school holidays due to the high demand.

A West Dunbartonshire Council spokesman said: “Every summer, the council makes an internal transport bus and driver available free of charge to childcare groups.

“This resource is allocated on a first come, first served basis.

“A letter has been sent to the groups inviting them to apply to use the bus again this summer and we will respond to each application as soon as possible.”

To donate, visit the group’s Duntocher Road base.