Walsall schools road patrol cuts 'could put children's lives at risk'

Proposals have been unveiled by cash-strapped Walsall Council to stop funding for almost half of school lollipop men and women.

The move would save £85,000 a year.

But parents and opposition councillors today said they fear children's lives could be put at risk if lollipop men and women disappear.

Schools will be asked to pay the wages of 38 lollipop men and women if plans go ahead.

The authority is proposing to cut funding for patrols at traffic lights or zebra crossings.

The remaining 44 patrols would still be paid for by the council.

Some 39 infant, junior and primary schools would be hit and a consultation on the plans has been launched before a decision is made later in the summer.

Transport chief Councillor Adrian Andrew said Government cuts were forcing the council to make difficult decisions.

"It's important to remember that we're only talking about locations which are manned by a warden and that already have crossing facilities, such as a zebra, pelican or other secondary crossing facility," he said.

"We're consulting with schools to see whether they are interested in helping maintain the current level of service for school crossing patrols."

Parents at some of the 39 schools that could be hit say lollipop men and women are vital for ensuring their children cross safely.

Dana Moore, a 39-year-old foster carer whose daughter is at Blue Coat CE Infants School, said: "The lollipop person plays a significant role in promoting road safety and community spirit.

"As a child the roads were not as busy as they are now and therefore the lollipop person has an integral role to play in today's society."

Meanwhile Hayley Byrne, whose son starts New Invention Infants School in September, said: "We will be using the crossing outside the school every day soon - it makes you feel safe as they make sure you have got across before they let the cars past.

"Young children walk slower and you need the patrol to make it 100 per cent safe."

Labour opposition leader councillor Sean Coughlan, who is chairman of governors at Fibbersley Park Primary in Willenhall, said the move would 'put children's lives at risk'.

If the schools cannot pay the patrol worker's wages - which would average between £2,000 and £3,000 a year - they would not continue and their job could be lost.

Moorcroft Wood Primary in Bull Lane, Moxley would have to pay for its patrol under the plans.

Headteacher Andy Nicholls said: "We understand there are cuts to be made but we are committed to keeping the patrol."