Final six school crossing patrols set to be axed

CROYDON Council has said safety remains its priority even though it plans to remove its remaining school crossing patrols by the end of the year.

- By HARRISON GALLIVEN Local democracy reporter

The cut, affecting six school sites across the borough, has been called “penny-pinching” by a councillor.

The decision, revealed through a Freedom of Information request by InsideCroydon, will see Croydon Council close its remaining School Crossing Patrol services at the end of the year. These patrols, also known as lollipop patrols, ensure safe road crossing during school drop-off and pick-up hours.

Road crossing safety is a non-statutory service, meaning the council are under no legal obligation to provide it. Despite these cuts, Croydon has said “road safety remains a priority for the council.”

The six schools affected are Cypress Infants and Juniors (South Norwood Hill), Norbury Manor Primary (Norbury), Orchard Way Primary (Shirley), Monks Orchard Infants and Juniors (Shirley), Oasis Academy Ryelands (Woodside) and Greenvale Primary (Selsdon).

News of the forthcoming closures has led some to question the council's commitment to child safety.