Anger as Monklands taxi tradition axed Angry taxi drivers and parents have slammed the council’s decision to put the brakes on a much-loved annual event for kids with additional support needs.
The Taxi Drivers’ Outing – which ran for nearly 40 years – was axed after education chiefs deemed it as “parading” the children.
The event, they said, did not tie in with current thinking on “inclusion and equality” and was “inappropriate”.
Organisers were forced to change this year’s outing to a fun day in Coatbridge’s Drumpellier Park – but many parents had no idea the event had been cancelled.
Jim Clark, Monklands District Taxi Drivers, said: “The outing was axed after Drumpark School said they didn’t want the kids paraded about due to issues with inclusion.
“We’re very disappointed that the parade is gone and it takes the shine off what we’re trying to do.
“What we’d like to know as well is: why are the children still being driven about in yellow buses and not regular school buses if there are issues with equality?
“And also why are we still hearing about taxi outings taking place in Edinburgh and Glasgow?
“Why should Monklands be any different?”
The annual outing saw kids dress up and travel around Monklands in taxis covered in balloons, streamers and other decorations to cheers from pedestrians and motorists.
Mr Clark said: “It was such a great event and everyone in the towns loved it.
“The kids thought it was brilliant and people used to hang out shop windows, cheering us on as we passed.”
Cairnhill mum Irene Woods, whose daughter attends Drumpark, said: “There were people waiting up in Rawyards for the taxis to appear and take their kids on the outing that didn’t know it had been cancelled.
“They then had to walk or get buses to the park for the fun day.
“I am very angry and upset about the decision and don’t think it is right at all.
“I have spoken to a lot of other parents of kids at Drumpark and they feel the same way.
“What makes it worse is the school didn’t send out letters or anything telling us about the change and the reasons behind it.
“We all want the parade brought back.”
But a statement released by North Lanarkshire Council suggests no imminent return for the taxi outing.
A learning and leisure spokesman said: “Our focus is on bringing children of all abilities together rather than highlighting their differences.
“The annual event has taken place for many years.
“However, similar parades have been phased out in other parts of the authority and the Monklands one was the last remaining event of its kind.
“We’ve had meetings with the people concerned to explain to them why the new focus is so important and why parading pupils with special needs is no longer appropriate.
“By organising a fun day for children from the mainstream and special schools we are bringing the event up to date and moving on with current thinking in terms of inclusion and equality.
“The day at Drumpellier Park was enjoyed by all pupils and we are grateful to the Monklands District Taxi Drivers for their support.”
source:
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