Local MP, Maria Miller, backs Cllr Stephen Reid’s calls on Hampshire County Council to keep school crossing patrols.
Maria said,
‘’There are huge pressures on County Council money and because ours is one of the biggest county council's in the country the people who run the organisation work hard to ensure they recognise and act on the local priorities of residents in every area that it serves. For me, road safety must always be a top priority. In Basingstoke town and our surrounding villages Lollipop ladies and men perform an incredibly important function. They are welcoming and keep our children out of harm's way. It was concerning to hear that Hampshire County Council is reviewing the funding for all School Crossing Patrols in their upcoming budget review due to be passed in early November. I hope more councillors are able to back Cllr Stephen Reid’s call for roads safety to be a priority for the coming Council budget.
I understand that the Council is currently conducting a review into crossings on a case by case basis and plan to make decisions on the merits of each individual arrangement. I know the County will look objectively at the evidence before them and that is why I am backing Cllr Reid’s campaign to maintain current arrangements and keep School Crossing Patrols.’’