PARENTS and pupils angry at Trafford Council's proposal to hand over funding for ‘lollipop’ patrols to schools, staged a protest outside a Sale Moor primary.

More than 30 protesters gathered outside Moorlands Junior School, which is situated on the busy crossroads of Broad Road and Temple Road, on Thursday.

The council is consulting on plans to axe the borough’s annual £350,000 funding for crossing patrols to help make up its budget shortfall. It wants schools to raise funds to pay privately for its lollipop people.

Parent Michelle O’Leary said: “It’s a dangerous and in fact half-baked idea.

"Children have been hit by cars in the past at this crossing. Lollipop people save children’s lives.

"Trafford needs to come up with another plan to save money, because this one could cause a child’s death or injury.

"Schools are quite rightly prevented from using their education budget to pay for crossing patrols, so under this plan they would have to expend time and energy on fundraising.

"That’s not what schools are for - fundraising does happen in schools but not with the pressure to provide a vital service out of it.

"What happens when the fairs and cake sales don’t make enough money to pay for the ‘crossing patrol’? It’s a ludicrous ill-thought-through proposal."

Cllr Laura Evan, executive member for transformation and resources, said: "The councilis liaising with schools, businesses and community groups to find a funding resolution.

"There are examples where schools have supported the retention of patrols and Trafford Council is dedicated to working in close collaboration with headteachers to consider the options."

Another protest will be held outside Tyntesfield Primary School, Sale, today.

Trafford Council needs to save a total of £22m next year.