A COUNCIL has said the "vast majority" of its bus services will operate as normal on Monday in a bid to ensure the children of key workers can attend their primary and secondary schools.

Denbighshire County Council has instructed its bus contractors that normally divert to schools to continue to do so next week until it arranges "a bespoke network of services" for pupils.

It comes after the council revealed all but four schools in the county will remain open to provide child care for key workers, including those in health and social care, education, the food industry, and transport.

Bus services will also be available for key workers' children who attend Flintshire schools that remain open, however pupils attending Conwy and Wrexham schools won't get the service until Tuesday.

There is no provision in place for key workers' children who attend special schools and units but they could be restarted during the week.

A council spokesperson said: "Parents and guardians need to be aware that this is a fluid situation. If a driver becomes ill or needs to self-isolate at the last minute and if therefore a contract cannot operate, parents and guardians will need to ensure their children know what to do.

"This is very important if they are waiting for a school bus at a bus stop.

"If a school has to close while transport is en route, contractors will be asked to divert to the nearest available primary or secondary school rather than to take children home, in case parents/ guardians have already left for work and there is no one to receive the children."

The council added that if a contract is empty on Monday, it will also operate on Tuesday but will stand down after that.

For more information visit the Denbighshire County Council website or call 01824 706000.