NEW plans to stop the planned axe falling on ’lollipop’ school crossing patrols were lodged with Devon County Council today (February 15).

The county’s Liberal Democrat councillors have put forward a new funding plan which will be debated to keep the school crossing patrols, when the council meets to set its budget for the 12 months from April on Thursday.

Cllr Alan Connett, leader of the county’s Liberal Democrats, said: ‘The government has given Devon an extra £8.4 million to help ease pressures across the county and we believe £250,000 of that can be used next year to keep the school crossing patrol service.

‘There is no need for the Conservatives to rush ahead and stop funding the lollipop crossing patrols, which help keep children safe. We have shown there is an alternative if there is the political will in County Hall to protect children on their way to and from school.’

Cllr Connett said the Liberal Democrats also wanted to see more of the extra government money put into repairing Devon’s roads and tackling drainage and gulley issues which have been a concern to local communities with the recent heavy rain.

‘We know there is a big pressure on the council budget, but we believe we can fund an extra £750,000 for safety defects and drainage issues,’ he said. ‘The Conservatives’ plan to put £1 million towards to this but an extra £750,000 will mean much more work could be achieved.

‘Our budget amendments are affordable and achievable. But what is more important is that we can keep the school crossing patrol service without pushing the burden onto local schools, which is what the Conservatives want to do.’