Safety concerns after axe falls on two lollipop people in Brent
A further 28 school crossing patrol people could lose their jobs
Two schools in Brent have already lost their lollipop people – before the council consultation has even finished.
Last week the Times revealed there are plans to cut the number of lollipop staff or school crossing patrols (SCP) from 47 to 17 in September, saving the council �200,000.
But it seems staff working outside Wykeham Primary School, Aboyne Road, Neasden, and Our Lady of Grace, Dollis Hill Avenue, Dollis Hill, have already gone.
Anita Pomory, a childminder from Neasden, says she is “livid” about the first lollipop staff casualties and very angry about further proposed cuts.
She said: “I do three school runs and it’s going to make my job harder and the kids later.
‘‘It’s an accident waiting to happen – by the end of this year someone is going to be killed.
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“Parents will have to take on the role of lollipop ladies to make sure their kids are able to cross the road.
“What are they going to put the money saved towards? Where do we go from here?
“I feel let down by a very greedy borough,” she added.
The timing of a 30-day public consultation has also been criticised, as it coincides with the start of half term when the affected parties are away from school.
Cllr Daniel Brown, the Liberal Democrat spokesman for transport, said: “This is very serious. School crossing patrols provide a reassuring hand to parents and children. The issue needs to be considered properly.
‘Botched up’
“However, just as with the libraries and parking charges, the Labour council has rushed into a consultation and botched up again. Local people are simply losing all trust in the council’s ability to consult fairly and properly.”
The Times understands that many of the lollipop staff could be gone by the end of the summer term.
A council spokesman said: “The absence of school crossing patrols (SCP) at Our Lady of Grace School and Wykeham School are associated with staff turnover/sickness and not related to the proposals.
‘‘The reason there is currently no SCP at either school is due to one officer being on sick leave and one officer simply leaving.”
How will the plans affect you?
Call the newsteam on 020 7 433 6252 or email harry.low@archant.co.uk.
