A petition has been launched in a bid to keep the lollipop lady in effect at Tynewydd Primary School in Newbridge.
The petition argues that the dismissal of the lollipop lady would pose a serious risk to the safety of the children who must cross the road to get to school.
This comes after it was suggested that Caerphilly County Borough Council had proposed to remove the Tynewydd lollipop lady, claiming it no longer meets the National School Crossing Patrol guidelines.
The petition points to the lollipop lady as an integral part of Tynewydd School that provides essential safeguarding to the children who attend the school.
Having started on January 11, the petition has quickly gained support, with more than 500 signatures at the present time.
Amongst those signing the petition are Newbridge residents and the concerned parents of students who attend Tynewydd Primary School.
One concerned parent, Natalie Williams, said of the proposed removal: “This has to be up there with one of the most ridiculous recommendations ever to be made by Caerphilly council. This busy and dangerous crossroad is an absolute death-trap!”
Going further Ms Williams said: “Without the lollipop lady.. It’s only a matter of time before a child is seriously hurt or even worse killed!”
The Tynewydd lollipop lady currently operates on Park Road in Newbridge. A road that is widely regarded as dangerous with few speed limit signs, a blind bend and a four-way junction.
A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “All the proposed savings contained in the council’s Budget Proposals for 2025/26 will be subject to a period of public consultation, which is due to start on 22 January.”
They explained: “Residents will get the chance to have to have their say before the final budget is agreed at the end of February. No decisions have been made at this stage and the consultation will play a key role in shaping the future of this service.”
The petition argues that the presence of the Tynewydd lollipop lady is more than a small pleasure but rather a crucial safety measure that protects the lives of children.
Just a brief look at the comments section on the petition reflects the widespread concern regarding the proposed removal of the lollipop lady, with comments describing the road as ‘really dangerous’ and ‘an accident waiting to happen’ if the lollipop lady were to be removed.
The petition, which can be found on Change.org, calls for the decision-makers to rethink the proposed removal of the Lollipop Lady and continue to prioritise the safety of the children.
