Bidston and St James Labour councillor Liz Grey has spoken out in favour of Wirral’s school crossing patrols and said that she will do everything in her power to keep them in place, despite the Government slashing £20 million from the Wirral Council budget this year.
Wirral Council currently manages over 60 school crossing patrol sites in the region and assist thousands of adults and children cross safely every year.
But, after huge central government cuts, patrols were one of the possible areas for cuts outlined in a report by council officers earlier this year.
Cllr Grey, who chairs Wirral’s environment committee is campaigning to keep lollipop men and women in post, and make sure children can get to and from school safely. She has been spending time meeting families who use the crossing patrol near Bidston Village Primary School as part of her campaign.
Cllr Grey says, “As a mum, I appreciate our local school crossing patrol service every day but it is so interesting to see this service from the perspective of the actual lollipop man, finding out how important this skilled job is and seeing first hand just how treacherous our roads can be when you’re in charge of protecting children’s lives.
“The families trust and depend on Brian and all our hard-working lollipop men and women. If we are to successfully encourage less driving and more walking and cycling then we really need the council to ensure that all children can get to school actively in complete safety.
“I don’t want to see any future budget option to cut school crossing patrols. They are a vital part of our road safety and it’s clear that families want and value this service.”
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