A POPULAR lollipop lady will not be replaced when she retires due to council cuts.

Parents have expressed concern for the safety of their children after Swindon Borough Council officially announced that it will not recruit another patrol to take over from Sylvia Dundas, who is leaving her post on April 5.

Zoe McCormick, 44, of Westlea, who regularly uses the crossing to take her nine-year-old daughter to Shaw Ridge Primary School, said: “I am very sad Mrs Dundas is retiring.

“She always has a smile for us whatever the weather and we know we don’t have to worry about the kids crossing the road as she makes sure they are safe.

“The road can be busy and some of the older children I see are walking home by themselves, which they wouldn’t be able to without her.

“I have heard that she has had problems with drivers not stopping or being rude to her, which upsets me as she is doing her job.

“The council are making cutbacks as they are being crippled financially and I have heard of other local authorities also not replacing their lollipop ladies, so while I do not agree with the loss of this service, I think it was sadly inevitable.

“They are desperate for any saving, no matter how small.”

This decision resulted from the council’s commitment to reduce its expenses due to “huge financial pressures”.

A borough council spokesman said: “School crossing patrols are not a statutory service and most schools in Swindon operate without one.

“The council’s education transport policy assumes that a responsible adult will accompany students to and from school.

“Speeds on this particular road are low, with traffic calming cushions in place all along the road.

“Forward visibility is good and there is a defined crossing point for parents to use with their children.”

Rose Carberry, the head of Westlea Primary School, which is on the same route, is worried for the safety of her students and urges parents to speak out and push the council to change its decision.

“It’s a real concern, as that place is what we call a cut-through,” said Rose. “There is a speed limit, but cars do go very quickly.

“Parents and children will have to cross on their own whereas we are trying to encourage pupils to be more independent. But now, parents will be scared of accidents.

Westlea parish councillor, Suresh Gattapur said: “We will be working with residents and run a consultation to see what is needed. They need to put in zebra crossings at least. Ideally, the borough council should find someone else until we find a solution.”