Councillors step in to save Peterborough crossing patrol

Councillors in Peterborough have provided additional funding to help save a crossing patrol outside a school on a busy road. The councillors, alongside Labour’s Parliamentary candidate for the city Andrew Pakes, were alerted to council proposals to ditch the patrol by concerned parents.

After meeting staff and students at Newark Hill Primary Academy, local teacher and Labour councillor Katy Cole helped set an up online petition to save the two ‘lollipop ladies’ and handed out leaflets outside the school.

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The successful campaign to save the lollipop ladies who serve the crossing outside Newark Hill Primary Academy in Peterborough.Nearly 400 parents and residents signed the petition calling on the council to think again.

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“Now the Labour councillors have stepped in to provide additional funding from their local community fund to help save the patrol, whilst the council have agreed to provide additional funding for future years,” said Mr Pakes.

“The extra funding from the community funds means that crossing patrol will stay in place whilst the council can still balance its budget.”

Cllr Katy Cole, Dogsthorpe ward, said: “I am so thankful and grateful that the children who use the Lollipop Patrol outside Newark Hill Academy can travel to/ school safely in the knowledge that this patrol has now been saved.”

“I know how important it is to support children in developing travel independence and road safety awareness. I am thankful to everyone who has signed and shared this petition to save the Lollipop Patrol.”

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The successful campaign to save the lollipop ladies who serve the crossing outside Newark Hill Primary Academy in Peterborough. Posters designed by pupilsCllr Dennis Jones, Dogsthorpe ward, said: “Collaborating closely with directors and the leader of the council, I am delighted that we are able to cover the costs until a longer-term solution is found whilst ensuring that we go into full council supporting a balanced budget.

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“I cannot thank everyone involved enough for their total support to ensure children stay safe and jobs are protected on this extremely busy main road”.

Mr Pakes said: “This is an incredibly busy road, and it simply would not be acceptable to leave pupils to cross without assistance.

“The council has seen its budget cut dramatically by the government, but this was the wrong choice. I am really pleased that together the community has produced a solution to save the crossing.”

Petition is here: https://www.change.org/p/preserve-the-lollipop-lady-patrols-at-newark-hill-academy