"It's an accident waiting to happen” says Holyhead councillor as pupils “weave in between parked cars"

Following a decision last year to scrap all Anglesey’s school crossing patrol staff – also known as lollipop men/women – pupils attending school in Holyhead are having to “weave in between parked cars on an almost blind bend”, according to one local councillor.

Cllr Sean Redmond

The authority is now being urged to put down double yellow lines on the junction of New Park and South Stack Roads to allow a safer crossing area for both pupils and parents attending Ysgol Cybi and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi.

Anglesey council said it will investigate concerns as part of an upcoming safety review, pointing out that school crossing patrols were not a statutory service.

“At certain times of the day the street becomes congested all the way up to the Tyddyn Bach roundabout with parked cars on the bends,” said Cllr Shaun Redmond.

“Despite agreeing with highways that traffic restrictions would be put into place, we are still waiting.

“Over the past few months its been a double whammy really as now with the loss of the school crossing attendant I fear that its become incredibly dangerous.

“Without being very familiar with the particular incident, it was only a few days ago that a child was knocked down near Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni at the end of the school day.

“It concerns me that something similar could happen here, or indeed, any other school on Anglesey following the loss of these staff.

“I’m sure if you asked the ratepayers of Anglesey if they’d prefer to pay for lollipop men or women or councillors’ pensions, the answer would be quite apparent.”

He added: “With homes currently being built nearby, the volume of traffic will only increase and would urge the council to be as proactive as they have been in putting traffic restrictions on the road to South Stack which are well underway.”

In response, an Anglesey Council spokesman said: “The County Council has had to gradually reduce school crossing patrols, due to severe funding cuts in the Highways budget over the past eight years.

“They are not a mandatory provision. As part of investigating the impact of ending the remaining School Crossing Patrols, our officers assessed the sites in line with guidance.

“None of the remaining school sites met the criteria for a School Crossing Patrol or any formal crossing to be recommended, with the exception of Ysgol Kingsland.

“We are, however, currently preparing a funding bid for next the financial year, which, if successful, would help schools which have lost their crossing patrols, to make infrastructure improvements and realise their own Travel Plans.

“Our Education Service is undertaking a review of safety outside schools, and its findings could also form part of this funding bid.”

“Concerns raised about the Tyddyn Bach roundabout will be investigated.”