Save the Lollipop Lady Options

[Simon Kirby]

There's a petition to save the job of one of the lollipop ladies threatened with redundancy by the WBC cuts.

If I understand the story right, WBC provide eight lollipop ladies at a total cost of £16k, so all things being equal it looks like a lollipop lady costs the Council £2k to employ. That seems pretty cheap to me actually at less than £10 per day, but if there is no obligation to provide the service then I can see the sense in making the saving, even if for just £16k, as there are other more critical services which would hit more vulnerable people which I wouldn't like to see.

The NWN says that 100 people have signed the petition. I understand that a lollipop lady is a very good idea and I can see how parents wouldn't want to lose the service, So I'm wondering if those 100 signatories couldn't just contribute £20 each. Job done.

[On the edge]

This will end up as a classic political issue; but one where we actually some real leadership. Yes, lollipop ladies are nice to have and yes, a redundancy is sad, BUT for the most part, the lollipop lady is unneeded. There are generally 'mothers' about and if there are specific issues, it's a Police matter.

The local Councillors, of both parties (given that the cuts are a result of coalition decisions) should be presenting and vigorously supporting the Councils case here.

If the school users think it would help, surely the School PTA could work something out, even a voluntary rota.

[motormad]

I can't really say I agree.
The cost is very little, yes. But never the less, that is a cost that is not necessary.

The cost is not a necessary cost. Children should learn to cross the road themselves. I used to live down Beancroft Road. There was always a lady there. I'd give her a nod every morning and she would in return.

I can see why they are there. I don't see why children can't learn to look themselves. I never had a problem and I was a little oik!!! The hedgehog and the green cross code.

[user23]

There's a petition to save the job of one of the lollipop ladies threatened with redundancy by the WBC cuts.

If I understand the story right, WBC provide eight lollipop ladies at a total cost of £16k, so all things being equal it looks like a lollipop lady costs the Council £2k to employ. That seems pretty cheap to me actually at less than £10 per day, but if there is no obligation to provide the service then I can see the sense in making the saving, even if for just £16k, as there are other more critical services which would hit more vulnerable people which I wouldn't like to see.

The NWN says that 100 people have signed the petition. I understand that a lollipop lady is a very good idea and I can see how parents wouldn't want to lose the service, So I'm wondering if those 100 signatories couldn't just contribute £20 each. Job done.

Or the signatories could volunteer to do the task themselves.

[On the edge]

Or the signatories could volunteer to do the task themselves.

Absolutely! Having to do something or put your hand in your pocket always adds reality and strength to such things.

[user23]

Absolutely! Having to do something or put your hand in your pocket always adds reality and strength to such things.

How many school days are there a year? A complete guess, perhaps 200?

They'd need to do it twice a year.

[On the edge]

A thought gas struck me in that NTC employ 'wardens' who keep an eye on the locality. They try to get themselves known to the residents and involve them in their work. This might be an ideal opportunity for them, an hour a day doing traffic duties? Greater justification for their role in the NTC review...

[user23]

A thought gas struck me in that NTC employ 'wardens' who keep an eye on the locality. They try to get themselves known to the residents and involve them in their work. This might be an ideal opportunity for them, an hour a day doing traffic duties? Greater justification for their role in the NTC review...

Do they? I thought the BID employed them?

[On the edge]

Do they? I thought the BID employed them?

Not sure, last time I looked albeit a good while back it was NTC, but things may well have moved on. It's an interesting and pertinent point though; is the BID part of the democratic / service delivery process? Thinking about it, that's the ideal home for Tourist Information.

[user23]

Not sure, last time I looked albeit a good while back it was NTC, but things may well have moved on. It's an interesting and pertinent point though; is the BID part of the democratic / service delivery process? Thinking about it, that's the ideal home for Tourist Information.

It depends for which reason one would want to provide tourist information, to increase business or to promote the town generally. If it's the former then it's the BID, if it's the latter then it's NTC.

[Simon Kirby]

Do they? I thought the BID employed them?

I think the the BID employ some wardens, but the Town Council also fund wardens with £54k of public money who I think are employed by Sovereign

[blackdog]

Or the signatories could volunteer to do the task themselves.

Or cough up £1 a week to pay the lollipop lady.

[MontyPython]

Or the signatories could volunteer to do the task themselves.

That wouldn't save the Lollipop lady from redundancy though!

It depends what the petition is trying to do, protect the employee or save the service.

Of course the PTA could try and fund her, in future years they can do it from funds raised from a fete or other event that most schools seem to arrange!

[Simon Kirby]

Or cough up £1 a week to pay the lollipop lady.

Perhaps they could sell lollipops. Or cough drops.

[motormad]

How many school days are there a year? A complete guess, perhaps 200?

They'd need to do it twice a year.

There are probably more days of health and safety briefing and training than what they'd actually work.

[The Hatter]

Plus there would be a massive cost in all those extra hi vis jackets!

[Ruwan Uduwerage-...]

The local Councillors, of both parties (given that the cuts are a result of coalition decisions) should be presenting and vigorously supporting the Councils case here.

The fact that the local Liberal Democrat Party is opposing these questionable cuts to what are for many essential services demonstrates that they do not follow their Coalition leaders who have questionably acquiesced to the Conservative Party on too many things.

These are difficult times, but aiming the cuts at the vulnerable is plain heartless to say the least.

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera
Councillor for Victoria Ward and Deputy Leader

[Berkshirelad]

A thought gas struck me in that NTC employ 'wardens' who keep an eye on the locality. They try to get themselves known to the residents and involve them in their work. This might be an ideal opportunity for them, an hour a day doing traffic duties? Greater justification for their role in the NTC review...

No lawful entitlement to stop vehicles I'm afraid.

Same for 'volunteer parents'.

[On the edge]

No lawful entitlement to stop vehicles I'm afraid.

Same for 'volunteer parents'.

OK, lets just stop the whole thing - there isn't any need for lollipop ladies anyway!

By the way, there are other ways of making kids cross roads safely, as any parent will tell you. If there is no lawful entitlement for volunteers to stop traffic, there ain't any for 'employed' ones either!

[dannyboy]

OK, lets just stop the whole thing - there isn't any need for lollipop ladies anyway!

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-ne...hildren-6158940