CONTROVERSIAL plans to remove bus subsidies from pupils attending faith schools in Lancashire are set to be revisited.

County council bosses sparked protests in November 2015 after deciding to scrap an assisted transport scheme.

This ruling applied for faith school pupils where there was an establishment closer to their homes.

But following a public consultation exercise in 2016 the idea, which would have come into force this September, was shelved.

An estimated £575 would have to be found per child, according to education officials, if the cut was made for September 2018.

County bosses are proposing that the switch be “phased in” so the subsidy would not apply to pupils starting primary of secondary school next year.

Bob Stott, the county council’s children’s services director, said in a report: “It is not envisaged that the removal of the denominational assistance with travel costs will have a significant financial impact on most parents.”

The move would have saved around £283,000 in 2016-17 and £141,000 in 2017-18, councillors have been told.

The fresh consultation, to be completed before the summer holidays, has been approved by County Cllrs Albert Atkinson, deputy leader, and Susie Charles, children, young people and schools cabinet member.