More than 10pc of lollipop patrols lost

More than 10 per cent of a Black Country borough's lollipop patrols have been axed in the last 12 months.

Last September Sandwell Council made the controversial decision to cut a quarter of the 98 lollipop patrols in Sandwell, with 11 sites now without a crossing warden.

The council backed plans to remove patrols from 25 sites where there are already crossings controlled by traffic lights. It claimed that having both traffic lights and a crossing patrol is "confusing" for motorists.

When all 25 positions are gone the council will be save about £67,560 a year.

Councillor Mahboob Hussain, council neighbourhoods chief, said: "Eleven sites have gone under the new policy and two new sites have been created.

"New national guidelines state that it is best practice for patrols not to work on pelican, puffin or toucan crossings, unless there are exceptional circumstances, as these are, by definition, safer crossing facilities."

People were not being made edundant, but once vacancies occur on the remaining 14 crossings identified the patrol will only be replaced where there are exceptional circumstances.

He said an extra £60,000 a year was invested for pedestrian training for children.

Cuts since 2005 include Norman Road, Smethwick; Mallin Street, Smethwick; Rowley Village, Blackheath; two patrols on Birmingham New Road, Oldbury; Horseley Heath, Tipton; Upper Church Lane, Tipton; Hollyhedge Road, West Bromwich; Newbury Lane, Oldbury and two on Birmingham Road, Great Barr.

There are no vacancies for wardens on crossings.