Relief as lollipop patrol job cuts postponed

Lollipop men and women in east Dorset that had been threatened with redundancy have been told to return to work in September.

In May this year, about 20 School Crossing Patrol (SCP) officers in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole were informed they would be axed by 2028.

Now BCP Council has written to them saying that no final decision on redundancies has been made and, while the consultation into their roles continues, they should turn up for their shifts at the start of the autumn term.

Meanwhile, Dorset Council says it is pressing ahead with SCP redundancies where zebra crossings have been installed at places like Ferndown and Lytchett Matravers.

Stella Migizi, who patrols outside St Walburgas School, Bournemouth, said: "We want to protect our children.

"That's why we get up every morning, every afternoon, whatever the weather, and we're here doing what we love - protecting our children and helping drivers keep flowing through the crossings."

She told BBC Radio Solent she was relieved the threat of redundancy had been lifted, for now.

"It's absolutely wonderful and we're really delighted," she said.

"It gives us a bit of peace over our holidays and we are incredibly delighted that we're going to be returning to our schools in September."

Bournemouth East MP Tom Hayes launched a petition opposing plans to axe SCPs, which gathered more than a thousand signatures.

He said: "I'm really delighted.

"We're going to have our lollipop people back at the school gates, keeping kids safe, spotting dangers before they happen and being that reassuring face and that glue that holds our communities together.

"I've raised this issue in parliament and I'll keep fighting on behalf of our lollipop people."

BCP Council says no final decision has been made on planned redundancies.

Destination, Leisure and Commercial councillor Richard Herrett said: "We have extended our consultation with staff, which began in May, to allow us to carefully consider representations from those School Crossing Patrol colleagues affected and trade union representatives.

"This consultation with staff has not ended and we've written to the School Crossing Patrol colleagues due back at schools at the start of the autumn term to confirm that they should return to their sites as normal.

"Any future changes to crossings near schools would only follow detailed site assessments and formal road safety checks.

"Existing patrol officers will remain in place until locations are ready to be assessed and, where appropriate, upgraded."

Dorset Council says it is still planning to remove lollipop men and women where a zebra crossing has been installed.

A spokesperson said: "At a number of locations, including Ferndown and Lytchett Matravers, new pedestrian crossings have now been installed following community requests, detailed assessment and significant investment by Dorset Council.

"These crossings provide a permanent, clearly marked and legally enforceable place to cross the road safely, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, throughout the year.

"We understand that some parents and residents will have concerns about change, particularly at long-established patrol sites.

"We will continue to work closely with schools, local communities and our road safety team to support the safe use of these crossings and monitor their operation over time."

Dorset Council said it continued to employ 28 SCP officers across the county and would continue to fund and support patrols "where they are needed and meet our criteria".

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