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Machen Primary School’s crossing patrol has been ‘saved’ after “serious errors” were made during the initial assessment survey.

A petition to save “local hero” and lollipop man Billy Lee had reached more than 1,000 signatures after pupils and parents protested over proposals to cut the service.

Thankfully for those against the cost-cutting proposal, they won’t have to wait until the end of the public consultation period as Machen’s Labour councillor and cabinet member, Chris Morgan, confirmed the village’s crossing patrol has been removed from the list.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, Cllr Morgan said: “Both Cllr Amanda McConnell and myself were shocked to see Machen School crossing put on the savings list at the last minute.

“We lobbied highways and got a copy of the survey and were able to deduct that there were serious errors in that survey.”

Asked what these “serious errors” were, Cllr Morgan said that the survey was conducted during the “wrong times”.

A council spokesperson added: “Due to additional information becoming available a reassessment was undertaken, and the outcome was that the location met the national criteria. The Machen Primary school crossing patrol has been withdrawn from the budget proposals.

“We apologize for any confusion this may have caused for parents and pupils.”

Cllr Morgan continued: “We are extremely grateful that highways have agreed if it wasn’t for the errors then our crossing would have indeed passed the survey in the first place.  

“Yesterday’s announcement is a win for our community.

“It’s been fantastic to see the parents and children’s support for the crossing and for local hero Billy Lee.”

The future of other patrols across the borough remain undecided until the public consultation period ends on Wednesday February 12.

Visit the council’s website to take part in the consultation.