A CAMPAIGN launched just over a week ago to protest at the scrapping of 18 school crossing patrols in Wirral has amassed more than 1,000 signatures.
The Daily Post revealed two weeks ago that Wirral Council is planning to axe the 18 lollipop men and women from across the borough to save £50,000 as part of wider budget cuts.
A campaign led by Wallasey councillor Leah Fraser is opposing the cuts which, it is claimed, will discourage parents from walking their children to school.
They claim many will feel it is too dangerous and will choose to drive instead – even as the council renewed its own campaign to encourage more people to leave the car at home for the school run.
Ms Fraser, also the prospective Conservative MP for Wallasey, said “We have been overwhelmed with the response from mums and dads across the area.
“This week, we have been at the gates of five of the schools on the council’s hit-list. We didn’t meet a single parent who was in favour of these cuts.
“So far, after just half an hour at five schools, we have collected more than 1,000 names.
“It’s really important that the whole community stands up and tells the council to think again.
“Road safety is a top issue for so many people across Wallasey and Moreton; many people are baffled by these cuts.”
Over the weekend the protest moved to the shops in Liscard and Victoria Road, New Brighton, asking for support for the petition, and also took petitions for people to sign at the official “switch on” of Moreton’s Christmas lights.
Cllr Fraser said: “This week, I’ll be contacting schools to organise a meeting for headteachers to update them on the campaign.
“It is a disgrace that, even now, the council has failed to consult with them and seek their views.”
Last week, Rose Littler, headteacher of Liscard primary, which is one of those expected to be affected by the cuts, said she was “very concerned” about them and believed they “will put our children at risk”.
According to Wirral council, surveys had identified which crossings would be scrapped based on the numbers of pedestrians during peak times, compared with the number of vehicles travelling on the roads.
In a statement the authority said: “The council will provide full training to schools wishing to provide voluntary staff to patrol their school crossing.”
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