A BUSY Stone road has been left without a lollipop lady in a move branded “ridiculous” by a councillor who fears for the safety of local schoolchildren.
The crossing patrol at Eccleshall Road’s junction with Manor Rise has stopped following the retirement of the crossing warden last month.
The service was not only used by pupils of nearby Manor Hill First School, but older children crossing the busy road to Walton Priory Middle School.
Staffordshire County Council is currently working with Manor Hill First School to find out ifthe crossing patrol is still needed.
The council said a decision on whether or not to replace the crossing warden is due this month.
Manor Hill First School headteacher Nicki Gilman said parents had been informed that the crossing patrol would cease this month, and have been encouraged to get in contact if they have any concerns. Comments will be forwarded to the county council.
Mrs Gilman said there had been concerns raised about the speed of traffic along Eccleshall Road and Walton councillor Mark Green has called for the patrol to be restored.
He said: “The council is cutting back on everything, it’s ridiculous,” he said. “They are cutting services but they are also cutting safety.
“I don’t think that’s the type of thing we should be cutting. People park on the side of Manor Rise and schoolchildren have to come out from behind the cars.” Walton mother Wendy Key said this month was often the start of older children beginning to travel to and from school without adults, who may want extra support for their first few independent journeys.
“I am very concerned about it - it is such a dangerous road to cross,” she said.
A Staffordshire County Council spokeswoman said it was a standard procedure to reassess the need for a crossing patrol following a warden’s departure. If it was considered necessary a warden would be appointed.
