SCHOOL LOLLIPOP PATROLS AXED

Seven primary schools lose crossing service to save council £58,000: P4

LOLLIPOP crossing patrols in Anglesey have been axed after the council decided they are no longer needed.

Seven primary schools across the island will lose eight crossing patrols overall when they leave their posts at the end of the school term. The cuts will mean an annual saving of £58,000 for the local authority.

It comes after Anglesey council concluded they are no longer a “mandatory provision” and none of the schools met the criteria for lollipop crossing patrols following a review of all seven sites, except for Ysgol Kingsland.

As a result, the council is considering installing a zebra crossing for pupils at Ysgol Kingsland, while “other potential improvements” are being investigated at the other six schools.

However, Holyhead Councillor Glyn Haynes who strongly disagrees with the council’s decision said no amount of money saved is worth leaving children at risk of being hurt while crossing the road to get to school.

“If one child gets hurt as a result of these cuts then unfortunately that is one child too many,” he said.

“I understand a risk assessment has been carried out but at the end of the day, it can’t mitigate for everything.

“You just don’t know what might happen and that doesn’t sit well with me. No saving can mitigate that risk.”

One lollipop lady who will face the axe in July has worked at Ysgol Caergeiliog for almost four decades.

Her daughter Bethan McCrohan, said: “Rain or shine, through all seasons, she has been there to smile, wave, brush away tears and share in their achievements whilst ensuring the safety of all pupils.

“She has watched a generation grow and have children of their own and has loved being a small part of their lives. She adores the children and it will be with a heavy heart that she leaves her post.”

Cllr Haynes added: “We can’t get held up on tradition, but lollipop crossing patrols are part of society across the UK so it will be a shame to see them go.

A spokesman for Anglesey council said: “Due to severe funding cuts in the highways budget over the past eight years, we have been gradually reducing school crossing patrols. They are not a mandatory provision.”