U-turn on decision to not recruit school crossing patroller on Dunstable Street
The Council say they will begin the recruitment process "as soon as possible"
Central Bedfordshire Council have reversed a decision to not recruit a new school crossing patroller in Ampthill, following the resignation of the previous lollipop person, at the end of last month.
The decision comes 48 hours after a petition was launched by parents at nearby schools, urging reconsideration for the safety of children.
Despite initial responses from the Council indicating there were no plans to recruit due to finances, a new statement has been released, with plans now to begin recruitment.
Cllr John Baker, Executive Member for Finance and Highways, said: "Funding for the school crossing patroller at Dunstable Street was not withdrawn. The school crossing patroller resigned, and this was effective from 29th November 2024.
Due to the ongoing financial challenges being experienced by the council, it is currently only recruiting to roles that are essential. Councillors were made aware of this position in early November through a detailed briefing by the Chief Executive and senior Officers. As school crossing patrollers are not a statutory service, Officers took the difficult decision to not recruit a replacement at the present time. However, when this matter was brought to my attention by local Councillor Mark Smith, I intervened and requested that the recruitment process commence as soon as possible."
Cllr Mark Smith took the matter of Dunstable Street's patroller to other councillors last week. Today, he acknowledged the decision to now recruit, with a post on Facebook reading: "I’m now pleased to report that my action has resulted (despite being informed that ‘due to the ongoing financial challenges being experienced, we are not able to recruit at the present time’), in an agreement to proceed with the recruitment of a new School Crossing Patroller. Whilst this does not provide cover before Christmas and into the early part of the New Year, as recruitment proceeds and the new postholder is trained, it is a step forward."
Parents still have some concerns
Sophie Reeson, a local parent, was the organiser of the petition which soared in signatures. She previously told Greatest Hits Radio parents were worried about what could happen to children without a patroller, given the speed and frequency in which vehicles travel on the road.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio after hearing the news of the u-turn from the council, Sophie said: "We were extremely surprised to see a Facebook post go up today to say they are now going to get another safety patrol officer.
"We are absolutely over the moon, but we do have questions."
It's an issue that has been ongoing for a week, with financial issues and the role not deemed essential given as reasons for the role not being recruited for.
Sophie, and other parents now say "we will believe it when we see it" and are concerned, following decisions earlier this year to withdraw a patroller, before they were reinstated once again in September.
Fellow parent Jo Heady is also concerned, saying "I don't think they realise the pressure that parents are under for getting their children to school safely."
Both representatives at the Council, and local Councillor Mark Smith have announced plans are underway for recruitment, which will begin at the earliest possibility.