Wythenshawe parents have slammed a decision to remove a school lollipop lady amid fears their children's safety could be put at risk.
Manchester council announced plans to axe a crossing near Sandilands Primary School on Wendover Road by Christmas, blaming financial constraints.
Council leaders say the implementation of bollards along the road means the school has been re-rated as only needing one crossing patrol not two.
But parents who use the crossing, which covers a section of busy road and a junction, say their lives would become a 'nightmare' if it were lost.
Mums and dads have also expressed anger as the decision will mean the loss of much-loved lollipop lady, Linda, who has been helping children cross the road for almost a decade.
When we visited Wendover Road at the junction of Ferndown Road at 8.30am on a Thursday morning, the road was extremely busy.
Cars, vans and the occasional lorry pass through at speeds varying from anywhere between 20mph to 40mph.
At least 50 parents, grandparents and children were assisted by Linda, who knows everyone's name and asks them about their day as she ensures they safely cross the road.
Kelly Taylor and her son Archie use the crossing every day to get to and from school.
"I am 40 and went to the school myself, there's always been a crossing here," the mum-of-four said.
"It's disgusting that they've decided to get rid of it; it's always busy and people come round that corner very very quickly.
"All the kids know her and usually Archie will go over and give her a big kiss, just like most of the other children do.
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"My 13-year-old son has just started at MEA and I only let him walk because of the crossing. It's not safe without it."
Melinda Cosh, who has two children at Sandilands school, said: "My son is going into year six and if we lose the crossing he'll lose his independence.
"There's no way I would let him walk to school on his own without Linda, it's far too dangerous.
She added: "The crossing has been here for years and is used by so many local people. I think it's terrible."
Parents say they were informed about the decision to remove the crossing via a monthly newsletter sent out last week.
The school statement read: "The city council have informed us that, due to financial constraints, the crossing patrol at Wendover Road/Ferndown Road will finish at Christmas.
"The additional road safety works carried out by the council on Wendover Road have resulted in our school being re-rated as only needing one crossing patrol and not two.
"If you have any comments to make about this decision then please get in touch with your local councillor or MP.
"School governors are also looking at this decision and have written to the council with their concerns."
Kelly Mortimer says her son was left devastated after she told him that Linda would be leaving.
"He wants to start walking on his own but if Linda goes there's no way I'll let him," she said.
"The way they drive on this road is an accident waiting to happen and if Linda isn't here there will be accidents. Definitely.
"There's idiots and young kids on bikes and if it weren't for Linda, kids would get hit."
Manchester City Council have been contacted for comment.
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