Ealing's Last Four Lollipop People Under Threat

Campaign underway to try and stop school crossing patrol workers losing jobs

From April next year Ealing could be without any school crossing patrols.

The remaining four 'Lollipop' people are under threat as part of Ealing Council cutbacks.

Parents have expressed anger at the proposals and say it'd be dangerous for the council to axe these jobs.

Megan, one of the 'Lollipop Ladies' based on Little Ealing Lane, has written a letter urging locals to take a stand:

''I am very concerned that this crossing will be left without a patroller after April 2017. Little Ealing Lane is a very busy road. In the rush hour many cars pass through very fast and not always with enough care for little people. It is essential to slow the traffic to ensure the safety of your children and yourselves.

''There is a consultation period of 45 days where you have the chance to make your voices heard. You can ask your headteacher for support. You can put a petition together and send it to the council. You can use your social networks, for example Northfields Friends, to alert your ward counsellors or even your MP. Please also speak to your local church and tell as many people about this as you can.''

An e-petition has been set up with closing date 19th December.

'' A council spokesperson said: “Government cuts, along with increasing demands for housing and social care, means that we are continuing to face huge pressures on our budgets. Unfortunately, the scale of these pressures means that some services are changing, while others are stopping altogether.

''Four school crossing patrol officers are currently at risk of redundancy. We are in discussions with the schools affected by this decision to find alternative ways to fund the service, while still making the savings that we need.''

December 15th 2016