Lollipop ladies vanishing as costs are cut

LOLLIPOP ladies have been a welcome sight outside schools for generations, helping pupils to cross busy roads safely.

But their numbers have fallen by more than 1,000 in the past five years – almost 20 per cent of the total – as councils find ways to cut costs.

In the past year alone the number of ‘school crossing patrollers’ – to give them their official title – have dropped by 419, leaving children vulnerable as they cross roads on their way to and from school.

Jason Wakeford, director of campaigns for road safety charity Brake, warned that four children are seriously hurt or even killed while walking in the UK every day.

He added: ‘School crossing patrols are a vital service. While we appreciate councils have faced significant financial challenges, the safety of children should not be compromised as a result.’

Overall, there are now 975 fewer crossings staffed by lollipop ladies and men than there were in 2012.