Hopes that escorts could return to schoolbuses in the light of a pupil's death have suffered a setback.

But campaigners have vowed to fight on to get them brought back.

Reece Straight, 12, died after falling under the wheel of a bus after leaving Clacton County High School.

The death last September prompted calls for the re-introduction of escorts on schoolbuses.

However, the inquest on Wednesday did not discuss the issue.

Colin Cranley, Essex County Council's principal engineer, said as the coroner had not raised the issue he thought it unlikely any recommendations to bring back escorts would be made to councillors.

Representatives from the county council were at the inquest.

Mike Barnett, the council's education spokesman, said a review would be taking place into safety on buses but could not confirm whether the issue of escorts would be raised. The result of that review is expected in the spring.

However, it is still possible councillors could raise the matter at future meetings.

Reece, of Chisbon Heath, Weeley, died while trying to jump aboard a moving bus, the inquest heard. A verdict of accidental death was recorded.

Sharon Smith's two children, Lyndsey, 14, and Stacie, 15, were on the bus when Reece died.

Mrs Smith, of St Osyth, started a campaign to get escorts back and said she would continue her fight.

She said: "This is Essex County Council's way of holding things up. Reece's death was an accident but since then they have been made aware of the points which are wrong in the transportation of children."

Campaigners feel drivers are unable to look after children and drive effectively and escorts would give an extra pair of eyes to spot problems.

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