Safety fears over plans to move Codsall lollipop lady

The warden will be moved from outside Codsall Middle School to a spot nearer to St Nicholas First School from June 2.

From then on, the status of the Wolverhampton Road crossing will be under review, meaning it could be permanently disestablished.

South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson called the moved 'completely appalling'.

He has written to the chief executive of Staffordshire County Council urging him to reconsider the decision.

Mr Williamson said the crossing was used by 480 pupils at the middle school every day, as well as by others from Codsall High School, St Nicholas First School and St Christopher's Primary School.

He added: "I think the decision to discontinue this service is completely appalling.

"This is an extremely busy road and numerous children rely upon this assistance to cross safety.

"We cannot put a price on our children's safety and I would strongly urge the council to reconsider its decision and continue to staff the road during peak times."

Mark Deaville, the county council's transport boss, said: "Keeping children safe on our roads during school time is our number one priority and we have a range of campaigns to help us do this.

"We do have some of the safest roads in the country here in Staffordshire and we want to maintain this hard-earned record.

"We have carried out a review of the crossing point on the Wolverhampton Road, where there is a pelican crossing.

"This is deemed to be a safe place to cross and people of all ages can use this at all times.

"We will now be relocating the lollipop patrol closer to St Nicholas First School, where there is no Pelican Crossing."

"Our policy has always been to carry out reviews of crossing points.

"We also look at any other road safety measures that could be used and refer to national guidelines and practice at all times.

"If a crossing point meets the criteria we will appoint a new lollipop patrol."