LOLLIPOP men and ladies will not be replaced unless deemed essential, the council has admitted.

It comes as teachers, parents and councillors expressed anger that Eastcott Road lollipop man John Walters, who retires today, is not being replaced.

Asked if there was a deliberate policy of not replacing the popular lollipop crossing patrols, a council spokeswoman said: “Any posts that become vacant will not be filled unless it is deemed that the need for a crossing patrol officer is essential."

She blamed cash shortages: “The cost of the school crossing patrol service was reduced last year, as part of a number of proposals which aimed to contribute towards the huge financial challenge currently facing the council.”

But Margaret Clarke, headteacher at King William Street Primary School, slammed the decision not to replace lollipop man Mr Walters.

In an email to councillors, shared with South Swindon Parish Council’s planning committee, she said children from three schools used the crossing every day: “I know we are all facing the challenge of reducing costs, but it appears to me that this decision has been made on a purely financial basis rather than with the safety of the children in mind.

“Without a school crossing patrol officer in position it will only be a matter of time before an accident happens and a child gets hurt.”

Old Town mum Ana Kelly told the Adver: “My son has got to the age where he is just about old enough to walk to school. It’s majorly important for his independence. If John’s not there and I’m not, he’s not able to walk to school.

“We want to give our children the independence they deserve and we certainly had. We’re creating a situation where would children are going to be completely dependent on us for their safety.”

At a planning committee meeting, South Swindon parish councillors recommended that the post be replaced. Coun Barrie Thompson said: “The safety of our children is far more important than the few pounds it’s going to take to provide these crossings.”

Coun Paul Dixon said it was ironic that the post had been lost only because Mr Walters had chosen to resign from his post. If he had not, the crossing patrol would have remained in place.

Coun Stan Pajak said: “Eastcott Road has become a lot more used. It’s so well used. A crossing patrol there is vital.” Coun John Short added: “There’s heavier vehicles going up there now than there has ever been.”

Speaking after the meeting, Coun Paul Dixon expressed his disappointment at the loss of the crossing patrol: “I hope we can find a permanent solution to this, improved signage is one option, but I would like to see an improved crossing in the area.”

Parish councillors suggested that cash from a proposed development on the old Eastcott Road bus depot could fund a new pedestrian crossing.

A borough spokeswoman said: “We are looking at improving signage in the area to warn motorists early that there is a school nearby."