09/06/2026
Residents and Alderman Cogan's Church of England Primary Academy have contacted me about this. We are on it! However, the Council do not have 'bank cover' and will not move a Crossing Patrol officer from another location because of risks outside the other schools.
We know how important this is to parents and carers - our kids safety matters!
Residents have contacted me with real concern with the School Crossing Patrol Officer on Whitworth Street currently absent on long-term sick leave.
I’ve now had communication from officers stating that there is no replacement available at present and they don’t have any reserves to cover the vacancy.
Officers have also School Crossing Patrol Officer will not return until September. I’d like to send my best wishes & I hope she has a speedy recovery.
That position is deeply worrying for parents, children and the wider community who rely on this crossing every single day to get to and from school safely.
I have tabled a question at Full Council asking the Portfolio Holder to set out clearly what contingency arrangements are in place when a crossing patrol is unavailable for a long period, and what immediate steps are being taken to protect road safety outside our schools.
If the Council refuses to take further action, I will be launching a petition to ensure residents’ and parents’ voices are properly heard and to push for the crossing patrol to be reinstated.
Children’s safety must always come first.
