Lib Dems challenge "stealth cut" to school crossing patrols

Cllr Henry Vann, leader of the Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats, raised concerns about disappearing school crossing patrols on Wednesday this week.

Bedford Borough Liberal Democrats have had reports of crossings in Bedford Borough disappearing or having patrols cancelled despite no vacancies showing on the council website and no communication being sent to ward councillors. 

The Conservatives were forced to admit that some crossings had been scrapped.

Responding, Cllr Vann added: "This appears to be a stealth cut to school crossing patrols. The Council must come clean on how many have been quietly dropped, and must advertise vacancies and let local residents know. We know they are planning a further £60,000 cut in school crossing patrols later this year and unless every crossing patrol is replaced by a signalised crossing then child safety is being put at risk."