Your Lollipop man or woman is under threat as Trafford Borough Council targets them as a saving

Controversial plans to withdraw Council funding for school crossing patrols across Trafford have caused outrage and been condemned by parents,  residents, and opposition parties.

The Lollipop men and women, are facing an uncertain future as Trafford Council announced it needs to save £22million in the 2017/18 budget next year.  One of the cost-saving measures announced is to make the patrols funded by  schools or community groups.  The plans are open for public consultation.   This has led to online petitions being set up and signed by hundreds of people protesting at the plans,

Zoe Taylor, from the Sale Arts community group Two by Two, said she was “appalled and outraged” to hear of the proposal.  “It is madness to threaten the end of Council-run patrols.  The Council has a public duty to protect our children.”  She has organised  a petition on Trafford Council’s website, entitled Save our School Crossing Patrollers.

“We need to let the council know that their communities do not agree with what they are doing. This affects us, we need to make a stand.  Since launching the petition I have had messages from parents, schools, local councillors and businesses all wanting to help out and petition the proposal. ”

Labour councillor Mike Freeman of Sale Moor Ward, has also set up a change.org petition.

Keep School Crossing Patrols under Council Control in Trafford,

Cllr Freeman said: “Schools would have to make the difficult choice of deciding whether they can afford the service of a School Crossing Patrol whilst the council absolves itself of its responsibility for road safety, all in the name of saving money.

“It cannot be right that saving money is more of a priority and more important than road safety and the safety of our children.”

Trafford Council tried to scrap patrols two years ago, but had to revise the plan after a hostile reaction from residents.

Now the Council is seeking a way forward that will place the burden on schools to fund 77 patrols. This would save the council £350,000 in the next financial year, if plans go ahead.

Cllr Sean Anstee, the leader of Trafford Council, said: “Trafford Council is facing tough financial decisions and needs to make £22m worth of savings in the next year against a total of £42m savings over three years.”