Parents fear for the safety of children as concerns mount that funding for lollipop ladies could be axed.

School crossing patrols are one of a number of services being reviewed by Essex County Council in a bid to save cash.

Julie Young, Labour group leader, said: “I am concerned to see there may be a threat to the service and I will be fighting very vociferously if there is an attempt to take it away.”

Her concerns have been echoed by mum-of-two Tracey Corke, who claims crossing Trinity Street to get her daughter Kiah to Holy Trinity Primary School can be a challenge, even with a lollipop lady.

A County Hall spokesman said: “Due to the current economic climate and the pressure on local authority budgets we are reviewing the delivery of many aspects of public service delivery, particularly non-statutory services.

“In relation to any changes to the school crossing patrol, no formal decisions have been made."

See the Gazette for the full story