THE parents of a teenager who has to cycle between three different schools to attend lessons have slammed council chiefs over their refusal to pay for a taxi.

Cameron Barclay, 17, makes a 45-minute bike ride to get to classes at Paisley Grammar, St Andrew’s Academy and Johnstone High as no school offers all three of the subjects he has chosen – physics, chemistry and graphic design.

It means the sixth year pupil has missed out on lunch breaks and been late for lessons.

READ MORE: Renfrewshire Council under fire as schoolboy forced to cycle between schools

Renfrewshire Council spends £3,000 a week to provide a taxi service for a number of pupils across the area but has snubbed Cameron’s request for help.

The teenager’s dad, David, told The Gazette: “From the start, we were aware there would be a requirement for Cameron to travel to one or more schools within the consortium area.

“We were not prepared for the situation that we are now in, whereby Cameron is required to travel – in his case, cycle –out to another consortium area.

The Gazette:

The three schools Cameron is forced to cycle between 

“Further, and more importantly, we were not prepared for the schools’ approach and unwillingness to resolve this unacceptable situation.

“Acknowledging that this is an extremely important and challenging year in his studies, we did not expect there to be additional difficulties and unreasonable travel requirements which are clearly proving to be an unwanted distraction.”

Cameron’s case was raised in the Scottish Parliament, during First Minister’s Questions, by West Scotland MSP Maurice Golden.

The Conservative politician said it “beggars belief” that the council has refused to pay for a taxi.

He added: “The case of Cameron Barclay and the impact this travelling is having on his studies is clear for all to see, yet Renfrewshire Council won’t budge.

“With the winter weather upon us, it is dangerous for Cameron to be cycling long distances and, when Renfrewshire Council are spending thousands of pounds on taxi services, I would hope that Cameron’s case can reach a positive outcome.”

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However, Renfrewshire Council has defended its decision.

A spokesman said: “In this case, the pupil is studying three advanced highers and travels to a partner school one mile away and to another seven miles away, which is easily accessible by public transport and with at least one hour and 30 minutes between classes.

“The travel involved and transport arrangements were outlined to the pupil and parents at the time the subjects were chosen.”