A Southampton mum has slammed the council for suddenly reinstating a bus contract with a company accused of using "potentially dangerous drivers".

Southampton City Council last week suspended its contract with transport provider Cool Cars South Coast Limited to take children to Springwell Primary School in Thornhill after safeguarding concerns were raised.

These included that drivers had hit bollards in the school car park, that drivers had crashed into other cars in the school car park, and that drivers had penalty points on their licences.

But in a statement yesterday, May 28, the council announced it has suddenly reinstated the contract, saying it is "satisfied" with the operator's response.

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Parent Anne-Marie Boaes told the Echo: “I’m disgusted that the council would reinstate the contact after we complained with a huge amount of concerns.

“It's not good enough. I don't want my child to be taken to school by potentially dangerous drivers.

"I thought it was a good thing when the council scrapped the contract.

“What is worse is they still haven’t even told us parents yet – we have no idea what the plans are for after half term."

Despite the council claiming it contacted parents that evening, many say they were left outside their homes with their children waiting for the school transport to arrive on Friday morning.

Anne-Marie, 35, said: “The council gave us no warning the day before they cut the service – parents were left to try and get their children in themselves.

“I have children at different schools due to their needs – how can the council expect us to sort alternative travel with no warning?”

A spokesperson from Southampton City Council said: “The council has a duty of care to children, young people, and adult learners and puts the upmost priority on safety.

“We can confirm we have received feedback about this School Travel Service transport provider and have acted quickly to investigate.

“We have worked closely with the supplier to ensure compliance measures are in place, and the operator has also evidenced their incident recording and reporting process and has worked to improve its robustness.

“The council is satisfied with the operator’s response, the changes they have made, and that they meet the robust standards to remain a supplier.

“The School Travel Service remains committed to providing safeguarding measures to ensure everyone has a safe journey”.