Staffordshire lollipop decision is ‘people’s victory’

Funding for crossing wardens had looked set to be axed by the county council but bosses decided not to go ahead with the move due to the weight of opposition from parents. More than 2,000 people signed a petition against the proposal, which would have seen volunteers asked to provide the service at many schools, amid claims it would be dangerous.

The proposal was tabled by the cash-strapped county council as part of its strategy to save £35 million but chiefs at the Conservative-controlled authority have decided axing crossing patrols would be a step too far.

Councillor Patrick Farrington, leader of Stafford Borough Council, said: I’m really glad the county council has taken this decision having listened to the depth of feeling from worried residents.

“These dedicated lollipop women and men are located in areas where there is a high level of risk for young children with parents, grandparents and carers, crossing roads at school timeThe safety of our residents must be paramount in decisions that are taken and I welcome this latest news.”

Cllr Mike Smith, deputy leader of SBC, “The school crossing patrols are already in areas considered to give rise to danger and that danger increases in icy weather so I am pleased with the County Council decision.”

Paul Dadge, vice chairman of Cannock Chase Labour group, hailed the decision and attributed it to people-power. He saidsaid: “We have won a small part of our battle, thanks to everyone who signed petitions, stood outside schools campaigning and wrote letters to county councillors. Unfortunately this is only £1.3m of a £35m swath of cuts.”

Philip Atkins, leader of Staffordshire County Council, said: “We have faced unprecedented financial challenges, but after taking early, decisive action we have managed to close the gap and deliver a balanced budget. After successfully reducing our running costs by £240m in the past nine years this has meant we faced making some tough decisions across all services.”

“Together with our MPs we are continuing to lobby Government on the need for a long-term solution for the funding of care for rising numbers of vulnerable adults and children, but in the meantime, with less money to go around, we are being honest about what we can continue to fund.

“While councils can no longer do or fund everything they once liked to do, we remain hugely ambitious for the county and are committed to empowering communities to take a stronger role in delivering their own affordable solutions wherever possible.

We will continue to support people helping people through our work with the voluntary sector and a revised Local Community Fund to help members support their local communities.”