Wirral schools forced to pay for their own lollipop men and women

May 20 2009 Heswall News

THREE Wirral primary schools have been forced to pay for their own crossing patrol after funding was withdrawn by the council.

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic primary school in Leasowe was one of 10 axed out of a possible 18 identified by the local authority.

According to the council Sandbrook primary in Moreton and Bidston Avenue in Claughton have also dipped into school funds to pay for lollipop men and women.

It followed initial plans by the council last year to save £50,000 by axing the school crossing patrols.

Following the introduction of new assessment criteria the authority backed down on seven of the lollipop patrols under threat

But Our Lady of Lourdes headteacher, Mrs Ann Melville, has now used school funds to pay for the school’s patrol to continue.

She said: “The governors did not really feel comfortable with not having the school crossing patrol.”

However, she said the council had been “very helpful” with the necessary paperwork and ensuring continuity of service.

A spokesman for Wirral Council said traffic calming and other measures were being used near schools.