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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Sophie Halle-Richards

Hurrah! Parents' delight as beloved lollipop lady at risk of losing her job saved

A much-loved lollipop lady at risk of losing her job has been saved following an outcry from local residents.

Plans to axe a school crossing near Sandilands Primary School in Wythenshawe were announced just before Christmas.

The move devastated parents who said lollipop lady Linda had been helping children cross roads for almost a decade.

Parents who used the crossing, which covers a section of busy road and junction, said lives would be at risk if the crossing were to go.

Linda has now been reinstated, and the crossing on Wendover Road saved, after local councillors were forced to step in.

Brooklands councillor, Glynn Evans, persuaded education chiefs the decision was unsafe.

School bosses were forced to axe the crossing after being told they'd have to pay for it themselves (Manchester Evening News)

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News , Cllr Evans said: "The children cross over at Wendover Road every morning and it's a busy crossing.

"Lots of drivers take that bend at a fast speed.

"In my eyes it was not safe."

Officers from Highways England installed new bollards near Wendover Road in November 2019.

They said the new safety measures meant the crossing was no longer needed.

School bosses were forced to axe the crossing after they were told they would need to pay for it themselves.

Parents set up a petition after they were informed about the decision via a monthly newsletter.

Council bosses agreed to put the decision on hold until a proper safety inspection had been carried out.

Parents feared children's life would be put at risk if Linda lost her job (Manchester Evening News)

Cllr Evans said: "My argument was that these measures did not slow the traffic or the speed of the cars that travel there.

"I invited the Executive Member of the Education Committee to come down to the school and he agreed it was not safe.

"Together, we agreed to put back the decision until September or October 2020.

"Luckily, people have seen sense."

The reinstatement of the crossing prompted parents to take to social media to welcome the decision.

"Luckily, people have seen sense" (Manchester Evening News)

One parent wrote: "Horray! Common sense at last. Welcome back Linda.

Another said: "Brilliant news! We've definitely missed you."

Another wrote: "Best news indeed, good start to the year."

The decision will be up for review in September or October 2020, but parents have vowed to keep campaigning for the crossing.

"I don't see why it should change, unless they do something drastic, we'll always need a lollipop person there," Cllr Evans said.

We have a dedicated Facebook page bringing you all the latest news, events and community news from across south Manchester

To keep up to date with all that is happening, and to join in the discussion, follow the page here .
Here's the link to the M.E.N's main Facebook page where we share our latest stories.

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