Staffordshire County Council to continue funding lollipop patrols after backlash
Lollipop patrols have been saved in Staffordshire after the cash-strapped county council agreed to continue to fund them.
Crossing wardens had looked set for the axe in many areas after proposals to stop funding them were put forward.
However, following a backlash from parents council bosses have decided to carry on providing the service.
The possibility of communities and businesses funding lollipop wardens had been explored by the council, while almost 7,000 people signed a petition against the cuts.
Helen Fisher, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “We all know crossing patrols do valued community work and it was clear from the consultations that members of the public hugely value the role their patrol plays in the community.
“We have listened and acted on what people have told us and although it will cost £1.4m per to continue to fund the service, we have taken the decision not to progress with these proposals and our patrols will continue as before to serve their communities.
“I would like to thank everybody who took the time to take part in the consultations and also parish councils and local businesses which stepped forward to offer a local community solution.
“I would also like to say a huge thank you to the school crossing patrols themselves for their continued hard work and their total professionalism during this unsettling time.”
