CHURCH bosses have hit out at plans to remove bus subsidies for parents sending their children to faith schools.

As announced Lancashire County Council is consulting on plans to scrap the subsidies which could see parents face a bill of £800 a child.

The council currently spends around £400,000 on subsidies for pupils who attend their nearest faith school rather than non-faith school.

Stephen Whittaker, director of education at Blackburn Diocese, said families would be priced out and the rise would hit parents who sit just above the low income threshold.

He said: "It will have a massive impact on schools like St Christopher's CE High School in Accrington who attract students from Burnley.

"For them the current cost is £600 a year which is massively prohibitive. If you have two children that is huge.

"It becomes a socially selective thing. If you have got no money you lose parental choice which is a real tragedy."

He said it could also have an impact on house prices as families that can afford it try and move nearer.

"I have had contact from families already who are concerned about this."

He also questioned the timing of the consultation which was announced two weeks before the end of term.

Council chiefs said they are facing a challenging financial situation and are not legally obliged to fund denominational home-to-school transport.

To take part in the consultation visit www.snapsurveys.com/wh/s.asp?k=149693816566.