Funding plea for crossing patrol sponsor with fears over pupils’ safety
Lollipop lady Sharon North at Bournville Primary School. The school is looking for new crossing patrol sponsors. - Credit: Archant
A Weston primary school is pleading to businesses to fund its crossing patrol service as pupils’ safety is at risk.
Lollipop lady Sharon North at Bournville Primary School. The school is looking for new crossing patrol sponsors. - Credit: Archant
Sharon North has made sure youngsters of Bournville Primary School have crossed the road safely for more than 20 years.
The school, in Selworthy Road, has been reliant on the sponsorship of businesses since September 2016 when North Somerset Council withdrew its funding for crossing patrols.
Laura Elmont, the school’s administrator, said: “We are very disappointed to find ourselves once more in a position where we have no school crossing patrol as, to date, we have been unable to seek external funding.
“Road safety for all of our children and families remains a high priority and we will continue to seek a sponsor so we can reinstate a school crossing patrol.
“Sharon was invited into our whole school assembly where all of the children and staff were able to thank her in person for her time as our lollipopper and she was presented with flowers, a voucher and a card made by the children.
“We remain thankful to both Churchill Insurance and Mercedes-Benz Weston for their vital support over the past two years.”
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As part of funding cuts to non-statutory services across the district, the council offered a traded-service option for schools to seek alternative sponsorship from businesses.
A council spokesman said: “Due to funding pressures we have had to make some difficult decisions in relation to cutting and school crossing patrols fall into this category.
“The council continues to provide support and guidance for schools on road safety and how to travel to school in a sustainable and safe way, but the responsibility for children getting to school safely remains with their parents or guardians.
“Bournville Primary School had secured funding for the last two years through winning a competition and from the car dealership, Mercedes-Benz Weston, and is still actively seeking sponsorship for the role to be re-advertised.“
Businesses interested in sponsorship can call Caroline Palmer on 01934 427130, or email laura.elmont@bournville.org
