School patrol worry

Oldham Council reports
PLANS to axe funding for lollipop men and women will put the lives of children at risk.

That was the warning from opposition councillors who blasted the cuts to the school crossing patrol service to save £180,000.

Instead schools, parents grandparents and volunteers will be asked to step in and provide services where they wanted them — although the council will provide clothing, equipment and training.

The move comes after Jesmin Begum was hit by an HGV near to The Radclyffe School, Chadderton, in September. She suffered serious head injuries, including a fractures skull, on the first day back at school after the summer holidays.

The Chronicle later revealed that the spot at the junction of Broadway and Hunt Lane no longer had a crossing patrol.

Councillor Joy Wrigglesworth hit out at the cuts and said: “The coalition seem to think that if they withdraw these funds, the school and/or volunteers will take over this vital role.

“It will endanger not only the children attending schools but also their parents and younger siblings who accompany them to school.”

A motion by opposition councillors to stop the move was defeated but a safety review will be carried out.