AN appeal is being made to Bolton schools to help bridge a funding gap for discretionary schools transport in Blackburn with Darwen - amid plans to save £468,000 over the next three years.

Council education bosses say they have reached agreement with St Wilfrid's CE Academy, St Bede's RC High and Our Lady and St John's RC over making contributions to discretionary school transport fees.

But discussions are still ongoing with Darwen Alridge Community Academy, and two Bolton schools, Turton High and Canon Slade High, over potentially offsetting the subsidy.

Cllr Dave Harling, education cabinet member, said: "Some pupils to the south of the borough have traditionally attended Bolton schools and we have tried to negotiate, as much as we can, because they benefit from Blackburn with Darwen children travelling to Bolton.

"We think that they should contribute to the cost of pupils going there."

Controversy has surrounded the issue for months, with parents being consulted over a £4.50 daily return fee suggested at one point.

But the fee for the services, which cover 24 buses, to the six secondary schools and two primary schools, now looks to be £3.50.

Cllr Mike Lee, Conservative group leader, said there were still implications over the £3.50 proposed charge.

He said: "It is quite a considerable sum over a week and over a term. Other schools outside the borough provide transport to take pupils from Blackburn with Darwen there for less than £3.50.

"Have we considered the knock-on effects? My daughter attends Runshaw College and the cost is less than £3.50. I am concerned that there are schools that can do that."

Free bus passes will still be available to those living more than three miles away from their school.

Council bosses have stressed that the revenue gleaned from fares, which totalled £192,000 in 2014-15, is only a contribution to the overall costs of providing the school transport.

An ongoing review of routes will to continue to see if some services can be 'rationalised' to help meet the savings target.