Concerns over traffic and driver behaviour are driving calls to keep a Ferndown school crossing patrol officer.
Ferndown Middle School headteacher Grant Hopkins has backed a campaign to retain lollipop lady Sarah Middleton, whose role helping children cross Church Road is due to finish at the end of the school term following changes by Dorset Council.
The council has ended contracts for several school crossing patrol officers after zebra crossings were installed in some locations, including Church Road. However, Mr Hopkins says the crossings alone are not enough to keep children safe near the school.
He said: “Sarah does an incredible job and everyone was aghast when we learned that she would not be with us from September.
“There is a great deal of traffic and despite there being two zebra crossings, some cars just will not stop.”
Mr Hopkins said he had stood alongside Sarah during the morning school run and seen the dangers first hand, adding that congestion and larger vehicles can make it difficult for drivers to spot younger pupils crossing the road.
Sarah Middleton, who is 53-years-old, has worked at the crossing for 18 months and says traffic levels have increased significantly.
She said: “I receive a lot of abuse from drivers, some of whom just don’t want to stop. It really can get very dangerous.”
Local councillor Cathy Lugg, whose grandchildren attend nearby schools, also supports the campaign. She said the crossing becomes “very dangerous” without someone helping children cross safely.
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