FURIOUS parents have launched a petition after funding was withdrawn to replace Moreton Morrell School’s “invaluable” lollipop man.
Ron Cleeton retires this Easter after ten years as the school crossing patrol – or lollipop man – on a narrow and busy main road directly outside the school.
But Warwickshire County Council has withdrawn the funding for his role, meaning there will be no one to replace him.
The school gates lead onto a busy narrow road with buses, farm vehicles and cars and parents have launched the petition to try and reverse WCC’s decision, to ensure the safety of children crossing to school.
Parent Debbie Hall, who set up the online petition, said: “The road is narrow with poor visibility due to hedges on both sides. It is extremely busy at school opening and closing times with students and staff accessing the nearby college, parents dropping off school pupils and general commuters.
The road is used by multiple school buses, coaches and farm vehicles. The point at which the children cross is particularly vulnerable due to cars parked along the length of the narrow road. This is an accident waiting to happen and the council need to act now.”
Pupils at the school have also written their own letters to local MP Jeremy Wright.
One pupil said: “There are sharp bends either side of the school gate, making it impossible to see around. Young children could easily run into the busy road and a replacement SCP would keep everybody safe. Mr Cleeton is a crucial part of any school day and we would like a replacement to be as excellent as him.”
Headteacher Sarah Eadon added: “Ron’s services to school have been invaluable and he will be greatly missed. Our school crossing patrol is incredibly important in ensuring all of our pupils are able to access school safely. Any support that the local community can give us by signing the petition and helping to get our voices heard will be greatly appreciated.”
The petition is available at https://democracy.warwickshire.gov.uk/mgePetitionListDisplay.aspx
A WCC spokesperson said that a crossing assessment had taken place and following a review of the pedestrian and vehicle data, Moreton Morrell crossing did not meet the criteria for to the council to fund a school crossing patrol.
