NEW THREAT TO DEVON'S 'LOLLIPOP' CROSSING PATROLS

NEW THREAT TO DEVON'S 'LOLLIPOP' CROSSING PATROLS

Liberal Democrat councillors have "called in" a decision by Devon County Council challenging plans to completely remove the School Crossing Patrol Service in Devon.

The Conservative run county council held a consultation just two months ago, in September, which would result in the complete closure of the School Crossing service in order to save £250,000.

However the number of returns was so low that it could be deemed unrepresentative of those affected by 'closing down' the county's popular 'lollipop crossings'.

Cllr Alan Connett, Leader of Devon's Liberal Democrats said: "This looks like a knee jerk reaction to the announcement of the County Council's overspending that is being discussed at Cabinet on Wednesday (11 November).

"Common sense would say the lollipop crossings should be discussed then and not dealt by way of a sneaky announcement which no doubt it was hoped would slip through without notice."

Cllr Alistair Dewhirst, Lib Dem county councillor for Teignbridge South said: "The Council is suggesting that they cut all the front line patrols but only a third of the back office staff - but people need services like School Crossing Patrols so that children can get to school safely."

By "calling in" this decision it will now be discussed in public at the Cabinet where Members can hopefully overturn this proposal.