Lib Dems hit back in Sunderland lollipop patrols row

Lib Dem campaigner Niall Hodson claimed this month that the city council’s budget report included ‘plans to axe all of the funding for lollipop men and women across the city’.

But portfolio holder for city services Coun Michael Mordey told last week’s budget meeting that claims patrols were facing the axe were untrue, and said: “Anyone who has suggested otherwise should apologise to parents and children across Sunderland for political scaremongering at its worst.”

Now Mr Hodson has hit back, saying: “The council’s spin that there is no threat to school crossing patrols in Sunderland would be laughable if it wasn’t an issue as serious as the safety of children,” he said.

“There are quite clearly proposals to withdraw funding for crossing patrols; indeed this is the purpose of the review the council is conducting.

“The safety of children shouldn’t have to rely on volunteers or the goodwill of local businesses. Until they rule out cutting crossing patrols, we will be continuing our campaign and gathering support from parents to show the council local people need this service and want to see it protected.”