Parents attack 'immoral' plans to cut Hampshire school crossing patrols
17 could lose their funding to help the county council address a massive budget gap
Last updated 25th Sep 2024
The plan to stop funding school crossing patrols across Hampshire has been slammed, with parents, children and councillors saying it is an immoral and illogical cut that goes too far.
Children from St Mark’s Primary School in Basingstoke in Danebury Road were among the people to voice their concerns about Hampshire County Council’s plan to withdraw funding for school crossing patrols due to the deficit gap of £175m it expects from 2025/26.
Jackson, 11, Sophia, 10, and Harry, 8, told county councillors that the decision could lead them or one of their friends to become one of the 4,577 pedestrians aged 15 and under who were hurt, killed or left with serious, life-changing injuries on UK roads last year.
They said: “We don’t want one of us or one of our friends to become one of those numbers.”
David Payne, a father of three children at the school and chair of the school parent teacher association, said the lollipop person is “invaluable” for the community that is “disheartened” and “angry” about the measure.
Mr Payne said: “These patrols are invaluable. These crossing patrol officers not only ensure that it’s safe to cross for the children and their parents but also highlight to drivers to slow down and show the children how to cross safely.
“I am incredibly disheartened and quite frankly angry to hear the council is considering cutting this vital service to our community.”
Councillor Malcolm Wade emphasised that the savings the measure would generate are a “tiny amount” compared to the safety of the children.
Cllr Wade said: “We’re doing it because we have a financial black hole, but £1.1 million is a tiny amount of that black hole. The impact on the safety of children is a big issue.
“We are in such a financial hole where we endeavour to throw the baby out with a bath water.”
He added that the plan is a “cut too far” since a child’s life is not worth £1.1m and that the council shouldn’t put Hampshire children in a life-threatening situation.
Cllr Wade said: “We really should not be looking at this. What is the price of a child’s life? Not 1.1 million. We’ll never get that child back.
“If we do this, there will be accidents where there were previous crossing patrols. Don’t hide yourself because they won’t, because there will, statistically it will happen.
“We should not put the children of Hampshire in this situation. We, as a council, shouldn’t be doing this. This is a cut too far. I would say we shouldn’t do it at all.
“I can never support this. It’s immoral, illogical and not right for the safety of Hampshire children.”
Despite the universal services select committee member not supporting officers’ recommendation to withdraw £114,000 to allow the service of 17 school crossing patrols across Hampshire, the recommendation will be sent to the cabinet for a final decision on October 14.
The patrols at risk are:
Eastleigh, Chamberlayne Road/Blenheim Road
Eastleigh, Chapel Road/Moorgreen Road, West End
Fareham, Hunts Pond Road/Longacres, Park Gate
Fareham, Red Lion/Stubbington Green, Stubbington
Fareham, Red Lion/Stubbington Green, Stubbington
Havant, Padnell Avenue, Waterlooville, outside school
Havant, Mill Road, Waterlooville, outside school
Gosport, Gosport Road/Cambridge Road
Gosport, Wych Lane/Kent Road
New Forest, Exbury Road/Hampton Lane, Blackfield
New Forest, Studley Avenue/Lime Kiln Lane, Holbury
Test Valley, Parkhouse Road, Shipton Bellinger
Winchester, Church Lane, Kings Worthy
Winchester, Church Road, Swanmore
Eastleigh, Wildern Lane, Hedge End (zebra crossing)
Hart, Gally Hill Road, Crookham, outside school (zebra crossing)
New Forest, A35 High Street, Lyndhurst (zebra crossing)