‘I will oppose cuts to crossing patrols’

THE article in the Post and Times (September 12) regarding the absence of a lollipop warden at Woodcroft First School included what I believe is a misleading quotation from the Conservative Cabinet Member for Highways, County Councillor Helen Fisher.

She said: “We do have a pool of mobile patrols which are allocated on a priority basis.

“As soon as one becomes available, we can allocate them to Woodcroft.”

But in reality, there are only three mobile patrols for the whole of North Staffordshire and Woodcroft School has been given a very low priority.

Councillor Fisher also knows that the County Council policy is now to remove all school crossing patrols as part of its budget cuts to meet the £35m Government funding gap.

District Councillor Bill Cawley and I, as the local County Councillor, met parents during the frantic morning drop off time at Woodcroft School.

It is very dangerous as the school is on the brow of the hill with heavy traffic and no traffic calming measures.

Cutting school crossing patrols at such locations puts children’s lives at risk and I will oppose these Conservative plans.

I am talking to the County Council to see what can be done to assist parents and children to keep them safe. Charlotte Atkins County Councillor for Leek South