Lollipop ladies lose battle to keep jobs (From Craven Herald)

Lollipop ladies lose battle to keep jobs

11:15am Thursday 12th July 2012 in News

Sheila Dugdale

Two women have lost their fight to keep their jobs guiding children across busy roads to school.

Despite appeals to North Yorkshire County Council for a change of heart from Sheila Dugdale, who worked for 22 years at the crossing patrol in Hellifield, and from Margaret Lund, who notched up 26 years working outside Glusburn school, their jobs have been axed.

A third crossing patrol in Gargrave Road, Skipton, outside St Stephen’s School, has also been scrapped.

All three posts will cease from the end of the summer term.

Mrs Lund said she was devastated by the news. “I’m lost now - I just don’t know what to do but I’m considering looking for voluntary work.”

Mrs Dugdale thanked all the people who supported her and said: “I’m disappointed for the sake of the children. I hope there are no accidents because I see potential for them every day.”

Coun Mark Wheeler, chairman of Governors at Glusburn said the decision was scandalous.

“We are judged on how we safeguard our children and we consider the safety of children crossing that busy road as paramount yet the county feel the crossing guide is superfluous.”

And county councillor Philip Barrett said: “In Glusburn's case the highway and pavements are narrow at the crossing point with only limited waiting area for the school children. These facts can only increase the highway safety risks, the school crossing patrol should therefore have been retained."

A spokesman for North Yorkshire County Council said: "In none of the three controlled crossing sites has a case of extraordinary or extenuating circumstances been made that would support the retention of a patrol in addition to the signalised crossing.

“The collision and casualty records have shown that the crossings are safely used without mishap throughout the day and night and during weekends and school holidays as well as when the patrol is on duty.

“The patrols will finish at the end of this summer term - Friday, July 20. Every affected school is being provided with extra support and information to make sure that teachers and parents can help pupils to learn how to use the crossings safely for themselves.”