Surrey County Council has decided to drop controversial plans to cut school bus services following the threat of legal proceedings.

The cost-cutting council looked set to axe vital school bus services from Horley and Caterham to Reigate following a review.

But in a dramatic U-turn last week, it announced the routes would be spared – at least until 2011.

Dr Paul Rispoli, principal of Reigate College in Castlefield Road, said: "I complained.

"The problem was they were reviewing most school bus services, but ignoring and not reviewing the services catering for religious schools.

"The St Bede's bus service did not form part of the review. That was discrimination, and a breach of the Equality Act 2006.

"I pointed this out to the council. They must have been horrified.

"The next step would have been to find a parent willing to take the matter forward to court.

"We sent off 70 complaints [to the council] from here alone.

"And I had been in touch with the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

"They seemed quite disappointed when I said I no longer needed to pursue the matter after the council changed their mind."

Dr Rispoli said he thought it was a combination of the threat of legal proceedings, and the overwhelming public outcry against the cuts that led to the decision being taken.

He added: "The council still haven't conceded they were wrong.

"They haven't explained to me why the buses to religious schools didn't form part of the review.

"But I'm happy with the outcome.

"I've even volunteered to sit on any board determining how the cash should be distributed to fund school transport, but the council may well have had enough of me by now."

Dr Rispoli also lodged a personal complaint about Ian Lake, cabinet minister for transport, which he has now withdrawn following the council's decision to consult further.

A spokesman for the Equality and Human Rights Commission refused to comment on the specifics of Dr Rispoli's complaint, but said: "We become involved with enforcement when there is an opportunity to clarify, extend or change the law.

"We act where there are cases of potential inequality, breaches of human rights, or discrimination.

"If anyone is concerned about equality and human rights, there is a general helpline they can call, 0845 604 6610.

The Mirror contacted Surrey County Council for its comment but had not replied at the time of going to press.

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