Councillor Cahal Burke has called for the Labour Cabinet to outline their long-term plans for school crossing patrols in Kirklees.

A decision was made at Kirklees Council’s annual budget meeting in February this year to reduce school crossing patrols, although this was opposed by Kirklees Liberal Democrats.
Recently, however, crossing patrol staff have been notified by the council that there will be no immediate changes to the service for 12 months, and that recruitment would be undertaken to fill patrol staff vacancies.

As the new academic year commences, there are 78 school crossing sites across Kirklees, with 27 of these currently vacant, which includes a school crossing patrol vacancy based in Lindley – the junction of Lidget Street and East Street and West Street.

However, the school crossing patrol service is under review, and there is uncertainty about future funding and recruitment.

Councillor Cahal Burke (Lib Dem, Lindley) has expressed concern about the uncertainty regarding the future of school crossing patrols and has requested that the Cabinet clarify the nature of the cuts.
Cllr Burke questioned the responsible member for an update at a Council meeting last March, but felt that information was not forthcoming.

Cllr Burke, said:
“I want the Cabinet to outline their long-term plans for school crossing patrols as soon as possible. There is uncertainty and we need clarification now. We need to know what plans are in place, so schools, crossing patrol staff and the wider community can work together on possible solutions.
It is also vital that workers who operate the valuable crossing patrols are informed of the situation at the earliest opportunity. I feel they have been treated badly and not been given enough information or support.

If we want to value and encourage walking, we should keep this service in place. The school crossing patrol plays an important part in helping children and parents feel safe when walking to school, so this vital service should be retained.”