MSP Sharon Dowey fears lollipop crossing guards could be an ‘endangered species’ in South Ayrshire – after a Freedom of Information request revealed a steep decline in numbers.
In 2012, there were 67 lollipop crossing guards in South Ayrshire but that number had declined by almost half, to just 37, in 2021.
Now the South Scotland Conservative MSP reckons even less staff could be deployed as the local authority weighs up where to make savings.
And she blames the Scottish Government’s recent budget announcement, which she claims is “bad news” for the region.
Ms Dowey said: “When I saw the Scottish Budget in December, I knew that it was bad news for South Ayrshire Council.
“When the SNP government makes cuts to local council funding, South Ayrshire Counci l makes cuts to public services.
“That’s why I’m calling on the Scottish Government to give local councils a fair deal and fund them properly. Otherwise, lollipop people could become a thing of the past in South Ayrshire.
“There are already growing fears that the school run is becoming unsafe in South Ayrshire. Take Coylton Primary School as an example, where numerous accidents have taken place.
“We know the SNP aren’t serious about road safety. We’ve seen it with the A77 and we’re seeing it again with cuts to lollipop people.”
She added: “It’s high time that the SNP fund South Ayrshire Council properly and get lollipop crossing guards back on our streets.”
However, the Scottish Government hit back, saying South Ayrshire’s allocation of the budget will increase by £13 million this year, the highest increase in Scotland.
A government spokesperson said: “Spending decisions are a matter for local authorities. Despite continued economic uncertainty facing us all due to the pandemic, we are treating councils fairly and providing a real terms increase of over five per cent to total local authority budgets for the coming year.
“The 2022-23 Scottish Budget provides local government revenue funding for South Ayrshire Council amounting to £235.8m, which represents a cash increase of £13m or 5.8 per cent – the highest in Scotland. In addition, the council will receive its fair share of a further £487.9m which is currently undistributed.
“The budget provides local government revenue funding amounting to over £11.8 billion – a cash increase of £855.4m and a real terms increase of £543.6m.”
A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: “The safety of children and young people going to and from our schools is always a top priority.
“Our school estate has changed over the years and we currently have 53 sites covered by 35 school crossing patrollers and 18 school janitors.
“There are also automated crossings to help children and young people cross roads safely. There are no plans to reduce school crossing patrollers.”
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