PARENTS are fighting to keep a “vital” lollipop man at a crossing near a Basildon school amid fears children could be “at risk” attempting to cross the road.
Essex County Council have confirmed the lollipop man, based on Great Knightleys, Basildon, will no longer be in place from September and the road “does not meet the criteria” for a school crossing patrol officer.
However, furious parents from Janet Duke Primary School, in Markhams Chase, believe he is vital in keeping children safe and fear the road will be dangerous for children to cross alone.
Mum, Geraldine Lowing, has started a petition as she fears that her 11-year-old son, who is about to start secondary school in September, will be at risk without a lollipop man at the “dangerous” crossing.
She said: “My 11-year-old son walks to school on his own and I am happy that the lollipop man is here to help him with that, it is disgusting down this road with speeding and a it is dangerous for children.
“A few weeks ago, someone was clipped by a car and the driver didn’t even stop, he really helps everyone and everyone values him here.
“He has been here for around a year, and he makes a real difference. He is really lovely and he makes people feel safe.”
A letter from the school says the school crossing patrol service “carried out a count on three separate occasions” and found the site does not meet the criteria for a lollipop man.
Mum-of-four, Samantha Coull, called the lollipop man a “force” and a “part of the community” parents cannot afford to lose.
She said: “There are so many parents who feel he is a needed part of life, he keeps our children safe.
“He has been here a long time and has been a part of out community, children go up to him to cross with him.”
A spokesperson for Essex County Council said: “The school crossing patrol officer at the Janet Duke crossing site recently applied to transfer to another vacant site from September 2024.
“As part of this process, three pedestrian and traffic counts were undertaken at the Janet Duke crossing site. Monitoring of the site showed it did not meet the criteria for the provision of a school crossing patrol. “We have informed the school that the crossing patrol will no longer be in place from September 2024.
“However, traffic levels in the area will continue to be monitored.”
To sign the petition, visit: https://www.change.org/p/keep-lollipop-man-along-great-knightleys-for-safety-of-our-children
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel