Decision not to replace school lollipop patrol “bonkers”

A decision to remove a primary school lollipop patrol has been described as “bonkers”.

Aber Valley councillor John Roberts called for an urgent rethink into the decision, which affects Nant y Parc primary school in Senghenydd.

It comes following the retirement of the existing lollipop lady.

Cllr Roberts, who is also a governor at the school, warned the decision could put children at risk.

The Plaid Cymru councillor said the school was notified last month about the retirement and contacted the council about a replacement.

But, after the council carried out an analysis into a replacement, the school was told the analysis showed no need for a replacement patrol.

Cllr Roberts said he was “a tad disappointed” with the decision and added: “Commercial Street, where the school is sited, is a busy road – it’s the only road up and down the whole valley.

“Also there are two roads turning off it right near the school, two normally quite busy bus stops and a working service garage right opposite. The road also seems popular with white van traffic, making their way over the mountain, onto Nelson and the A470.”

The council cabinet member responsible for highways, Cllr John Ridgewell, said: “The process of reviewing school crossing patrols has been council policy for some time and there is a set of national criteria that a site must meet to retain any school crossing patrols.

“Following an assessment of this site in accordance with the national road safety guidelines, the measures put in place by the school to stagger drop-off and pick-up times has seen a reduction in traffic and pedestrians at any one time.

“However, we will continue to monitor and, if necessary, review the situation in the coming months and particularly in light of any developments with Covid-19.”

But Cllr Roberts said the reduction in traffic in the area is down to the coronavirus pandemic, and said he was “baffled” as to why the council “didn’t consider” it as a factor.

He said: “Just like other differences experienced during these Covid times, residents and traffic will readjust.”

Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service