PARENTS are making a desperate appeal for lollipop patrols on a 'death crossing' in Stretford to be saved.

Under a plan to save more than £24m in 2015/2016 theTory controlled Trafford Council is looking to slash patrols.

The move is likely to include a crossing at Gorse Hill/Chester Road where both a crossing and a patrol was added after a child was killed.

A petition signed by more than 400 parents from Gorse Hill Primary and concerned residents will be submitted ahead of Friday's deadline on consultation on the patrol cuts.

One parent Wendy Taylor, said: “I grew up with child who was killed at the crossing and in the aftermath of that accident parents protested and the crossing was improved with extra lights and the school crossing patrol installed.

"Drivers do ignore red stop signs from time to time, so the crossing patrol at this location is vitally important for the safety of all the pupils using it. I think we would see more drivers ignoring red stop lights if the lollipop lady was not present”.

Ward councillor Laurence Walsh who carried out his own survey of the crossing said: “Last Tuesday afternoon (Dec 2), the school crossing patrol was used 251 times by pedestrians, but with 10 vehicles ignoring the red stop sign and driving through."

Meanwhile a petition with hundreds of signatures has been gathered by parents at Tyntesfield Primary School, in Sale, who were joined by Labour council leader Andrew Western and Cllr Louise Dagnall on Tuesday morning.

Parent Amy Whyte said: "Trafford Council wants to sack our lollipop man on Eastway/Washway Road which is an extremely busy junction where cars and trucks regularly jump red lights.

"I have photographic evidence of this and we'll be gathering more. Children will be hurt or worse if these cuts go ahead."

Stretford and Urmston MP Kate Green, campaigned against the cuts outside Flixton Junior School, where a child was recently hit by a car.

Ms Green said: “It’s disgraceful that Trafford Council is taking risks with our children’s safety and I’ve been contacted by many parents and headteachers who are deeply worried about these cuts.

“I’m especially angry that the majority of the crossings that are being cut are on some of the busiest roads in the borough, including in Stretford and Old Trafford.

“The council needs to listen to the concerns and anger of parents and teachers and come up with a plan that puts safety first.”