THE HEADTEACHER of an Earley primary school is begging the council to 'reconsider' after they revealed plans to pull crossing patrol services from schools across the borough.

Hester Wooller from St Peter's Primary says hundreds of children at her school will be at risk if the crossing patrol service ends in July, with several primary schools in Woodley and Earley likely to be affected.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) is recommending changes to schools which already have pedestrian crossings nearby, but Mrs Wooller believes losing the crossing patrol on Church Road will jeopardise pupil safety.

She said: "Our view on this is very strong. It is a very dangerous stretch of road and has some of the highest volumes of traffic in Reading and Wokingham.

"Even with a crossing patrol person it is still dangerous. We have seen so many near misses over the last few years.

"We are very concerned for the safety of our children. Parents are very concerned and we would urge whoever is making this decision to reconsider.

"We have over 500 children at this school, some as young as three, and it will put their safety in jeopardy."

Eight schools including Highwood, Whiteknights and Beechwood have been named in the plans and parents are invited to share their thoughts as part of an ongoing consultation.

Gordon Davies, head of Beechwood School in Woodley, added his concerns, saying: "Once again, services are being cut to young and old. Councils are being forced to cut their budgets and with that the safety of our very young and vulnerable children who cross dangerous roads in the dark mornings when everyone is rushing to work.

"Didn’t we all grow up knowing the friendly face of that lollipop lady or man, who indirectly saved many young lives and enabled older folks to cross the road without fear at busy junctions or cross roads?

"How can we pour money into road safety and yet take away the infrastructure which calms traffic in our busy towns? Why should it be deprived and why should any child be put at risk ?

The council is aware of high volumes of traffic on Church Road in particular, but insists the pedestrian crossing gives children a safe point to cross.

Councillor Malcolm Richards, executive member for highways and transport, added: "Ensuring children can get to school safely is of fundamental importance to us, but these eight sites already have pedestrian crossings giving a safe point to cross.

"Local authorities are facing difficult decisions and WBC is one of the last councils in the country to look at the school crossing patrol service.

"As of October we hope to start civil parking enforcement across the borough, which will help us improve traffic management outside schools."

Parents who are concerned by the proposals can email: communityengagement@wokingham.gov.uk before Wednesday, April 19, when the consultation ends.

An online petition to save school crossing patrollers is available at: http://bit.ly/2mdDPJ5 and will run until April 17.