WIRRAL Council looks set to push through plans to axe lollipop men and women across the borough – although seven under threat will now be saved.

Despite a massive outcry last year when the plans were revealed in the Daily Post, the majority of the school crossings under threat look likely to go.

The council said it hoped to save £50,000 by axing 18 school crossings across the borough.

But a review of the criteria used to select them meant council officers had to look again at the crossings under threat – and a report to cabinet says seven could now be saved.

It says the formula used to assess the crossing patrols was “essentially sound” but recommends it be altered.

The report also says “site specific issues” such as footway width, accident record, and existing facilities such as pelican crossings should be taken into account.

Conservative councillor Leah Fraser, a prospective MP for Wallasey, who worked with parents to collect petitions supported by 2,821 people, said: “While I am delighted Liscard Primary and Park Primary are now set to be saved, I do not believe that we can afford to lose the lollipop ladies at the other schools. Some of the strongest views were from parents at Our Lady of Lourdes in Leasowe and Sandbrook Primary in Moreton.

“Our campaign saw us at every school gate and it was obvious that mums and dads are extremely worried about these cuts.

“The campaign included calls and emails to the Cabinet Member responsible for these cuts and I make no apology for this tactic.

“The Cabinet failed to consult with schools and parents before the cuts were put together and didn’t even have the decency to notify the lollipop ladies.

“The amount of money to save all 18 school crossings is just £37,000 in salaries. Exactly what is the price of a child’s life in this Borough?

“It doesn’t matter how many times the council play with the formula, it’s clear that common sense doesn’t figure in any of it.”

The report, which will go to the Wirral Council’s cabinet meeting next Monday recommends each site will be re-evaluated within a rolling three year programme commencing 2010/11 onwards.

The crossings which it is proposed to retain are Eastham Rake (near Glenburn Avenue); Holm Lane (near Overton Way); Poulton Road / Park Road; Rocky Lane/ Dee View Road; Thurstaston Road / Herberts Lane; Well Lane/ Albany Road and Withens Lane.

However, the report said this will mean a reduction of £20,000 in the savings it was initially hoped to achieve.

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