FUNDING for ’lollipop’ school crossing services has been axed by Devon County Council, leaving the area’s schools either without a service or footing the bill themselves.

Last Friday, councillors supported recommendations for the authority to stop funding paid patrols and to transfer the costs to schools and school communities should they wish to pay for them. Councillors also approved the used of a company to manage the delivery of the service to schools.

The decision to pull county funding has come after a consultation was launched in November reviewing how school crossing patrols should be funded and provided in Devon. The consultation is part of an effort to make savings of £110-million over the next four years.

The decision will mean that schools and their communities will need to decide if they want to retain their patrol once they know what fees are involved. Setting the fees will now be a commercial decision, taken by a future provider of the crossing patrol service.

In cases where a school chooses not to fund the cost of their patrol, the service would end at that site and the county council would then look at the potential consequences of removing the patrol and, where necessary, how to limit any potential impact.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for highway management, said: ’Since 2009, we’ve had to cut our spending by over £200-million due to the Government’s austerity measures. Unfortunately those services which we are not required to provide by law are most at risk as a result of the budget reductions from central Government.

’As a local highway authority Devon County Council has a statutory duty to promote road safety and prevent accidents.  The protection of human life is one of the greatest responsibilities we bear and it is therefore very important that we use what resources we have in the most effective way.

’However, school crossing patrols can be paid for by the school or the community and it is therefore an area where we can make savings.

’Although this model would require schools to pay some of the costs, the county council would remain committed to supporting a crossing patrol service by providing training and quality assurance to ensure it is delivered safely.’

Devon’s Liberal Democrats have challenged the decision to cut the county’s school crossing patrols, putting forward an alternative funding plan which will be discussed at County Hall on Thursday when the county council sets out its budget for the next 12 months from April.

Cllr Alan Connett, Liberal Democrat group leader on Devon County Council said: ’The Government has given Devon an extra £8.4-million pounds to help ease pressures across the county and we believe £250,000 of that can be used next year to keep the school crossing patrol service.

’Looking ahead, we believe savings can be made from the near £2-million the Conservatives plan to spend on advertising, public relations and media spin in the next 12 months.

’There is no need for the Conservatives to rush ahead and stop funding the lollipop crossing patrols which help keep children safe. We have shown there is an alternative - if there is the political will in County Hall to protect children on their way to and from school.

The Liberal Democrats also want to see more of the extra government money put into repairing Devon’s roads and  tackling drainage and gulley issues.

Cllr Connett said: ’Our budget amendments are affordable and achievable - but what is more important is that we can keep the school crossing patrol service without pushing the burden onto local schools, which is what the Conservatives want to do.’

What are your thoughts on the decision to pull county funding for crossing patrols? Might it affect your child’s school? Let us know via our Facebook page or [email protected]