The search continues to find school transport for pupils in Bicester after parents were told there were no spaces left on the school bus.

They were told there were no seats left on the Grayline bus, contracted by Oxfordshire County Council, just days before their children returned to Gosford Hill School in Kidlington.

Numerous parents told the Oxford Mail they have safety concerns for their children, who now have no choice but to get public transport. 

A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said the situation appeared to have arisen because the previous school transport provider allowed some children to pay a fare to travel on a daily basis.

The council said this was an "unofficial arrangement" used by children who are "not eligible" for local authority provided transport.

Last Thursday (September 19), a meeting was held at Gosford Hill School.

READ MORE: Bicester parents despair as no seats left on school bus

Parents, officers from Oxfordshire County Council and Calum Miller, Bicester and Woodstock's MP, attended the meeting. 

Lisa Rafferty spoke on behalf of many other parents who are facing the same issue at the meeting. 

She said: “Although there was no one around the table responsible for the current issue, there was lots of talk around table from the council, from the head and from parents, and a few suggestions have been put forward.

"We're chasing that up in the hope that by the end of this week there is a solution. Finding a long term permanent solution is the only way forward."

One potential solution that was reportedly suggested was to approach local parish council's for funding for a school bus. 

Mrs Rafferty's daughter, who is in Year 10 and lives in Ambrosden, either has to get a lift to school or take public transport - a journey consisting of two public buses and a half mile walk.

Mrs Rafferty says she has safety concerns for her daughter, who now does not get home until between 6pm and 7pm. 

Gosford Hill School (Image: River Learning Trust) "For me, it's really difficult and upsetting that she doesn’t have the school transport that she’s had for the last four years," Ms Rafferty told the Oxford Mail.

Mr Miller said the meeting "went well", adding that he will "continue to support efforts to find a solution".

He said: “This positive meeting showed that everyone is committed to finding a solution. I will continue to support efforts to find a solution that allows the pupils to get reliably and safely to school.”

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A spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council said: “We continue to work with all interested parties to help facilitate a suitable transport solution".

Chris Bateman, deputy head of Gosford Hill School, said he was "pleased" to host a "productive" meeting.

He said: "The county council are continuing to work with transport providers to explore further options and our local MP is also supporting families to explore other avenues.

"In the meantime we have worked with families to identify a temporary arrangement."