A PETITION aimed at getting a lollipop man reinstated will be discussed by councillors.

More than a thousand people signed an online petition protesting the loss of the crossing patrol on Eastcott Road. A further 402 put their names to a paper petition.

It means councillors will consider the petition’s goals at a meeting of the borough’s full council.

The petition’s organiser, Eastcott parish councillor Patrick Herring said: “The petition has been very well supported by both local volunteers and by staff at King William Street School and King William Playgroup, and it has received almost unanimous support from everyone we’ve spoken to.

“The huge number of signatures received shows the strength of feeling about this and sends a clear message to Swindon Borough Council. The council might not realise how important this crossing is for children’s safety, but local residents and parents who use this road every day certainly do.

“I hope that this will give councillors cause to rethink their decision and reinstate a safe crossing on Eastcott Road before anyone is hurt.”

John Walters, the popular lollipop man at the top of Eastcott Road, took up a new job with the borough at the end of May. The council’s policy is not to replace crossing patrols after officers retire or resign.

But the decision proved unpopular among Eastcott schools and parents. Margaret Clarke, headteacher at King William Street Primary School, told parish councillors: “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.”

Those signing the online petition cited the crossing patrol’s importance for both children and drivers’ safety.

Godfrey Room wrote on Change.org: “I am all too aware of the dangerous nature of this very busy road crossing and the lack of protection for the very young, exuberant children liable to dash into the road. This is an essential measure that cannot be ignored.”

Alexandra Mancari added: “I got hit by a car in that area as a child whilst making my way to King William CE Primary School. You can’t put a price on children’s safety.”

Sally Phipps said: “My grandchildren use this crossing to get too and from school, please don’t compromise their safety”

In May, Swindon Borough Council said crossing patrol posts that become vacant would not be filled, unless the need is deemed essential: “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.”

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

The petition is likely to be discussed at full council on Thursday, July 12.