PARENTS in Andover have expressed concerns about the proposed cuts to school crossing patrols.
School crossing patrols across Hampshire could be axed as part of a budget proposal which aims to save the county council £1.1m.
However, parents are concerned that removing school crossings could result in an accident.
Kirsty Norgate, who is a parent of a pupil at Vigo Primary School, said: "There is a SEND school next door to Vigo, and the bright colours of a lollipop person and having a figure there directing people is helpful and helps parents maintain order."
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Grandparents Bob and Jenny Murphy were concerned to hear about the proposed cuts. Bob said: "This is a fast bit of road and there are some kids that don't get picked up and walk home on their own.
"Removing the service would be detrimental to the children's safety. Lollipop people keep order and put themselves at risk for the safety of the children."
Parent Katie Snooks said: "If there’s not going to be a lollipop person here then there needs to be something in place to help keep kids safe.
"A few of the older kids walk home on their own and personally, I’d feel a lot more comfortable knowing there was someone there helping them to cross the road here."
Liz Nolan, whose child attends Overton Church of England Primary School, said: "Keith is our lollipop man here and he is a kind of marker for the children and provides a safe spot and safe space away from the school.
"Crossing the road safely is a big thing, and having Keith here keeps order, keeps everyone safe, and also provides the children with some familiarity. There have been times I haven't been able to get down to the school so I've told my child to walk up and wait by Keith.
"It gives peace of mind to parents, and Keith is such a lovely, friendly person. We need him."
Keith Vallis, who is a school crossing patrol officer for Overton, said: "It's a lovely place to work here and I love seeing all the friendly faces of the kids, parents and community.
"It's a really nice job to have and I'm glad to be able to help and do my bit, as this stretch of road can get very busy."
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A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “For a long time now, we’ve been very clear about the huge budget pressures facing the County Council by April 2025 and, like many local authorities nationally, our budgets are stretched to breaking point.
"This is down to high inflation, years of underfunding from central Government and growing demand for local services in areas like social care for vulnerable children and adults where more and more people need help and support.
"We are predicting a £132m budget shortfall by April 2025 and the full County Council will carefully consider a range of options on 9 November which aim to help towards closing this funding gap. Regrettably, however, this may mean some very tough decisions are needed on what the Authority can and cannot continue to do in future.
“Regarding the specific proposal to find £1.1 million savings from the school crossing patrol budget, any future changes to this service would require more detailed assessment and further public consultation.
"Whilst we have a legal duty to ensure children can get to school as safely as possible, we do not have a statutory duty to do this through the dedicated provision of school crossing patrol officers.
"There may be effective alternatives at some sites which could be identified. There is still some time before any final decisions are made however, as following consideration by the full County Council next month, further public consultation may then be undertaken in the new year to explore in more detail options to deliver some savings proposals.”
The proposal is part of Hampshire County Council’s bid to reduce its expenses over the next few years and reduce its £132m financial gap in its 2025/26 budget.
With no expected forthcoming government financial support, the council has consulted on a number of proposals that could save £90.4m.
However, the authority has warned these cuts may not go far enough - and said more will be needed.
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