ROAD safety chiefs have sparked fury after withdrawing a crossing patrol from outside a Colehill school.

Lollipop lady Joyce Brown retires this week after 25 years' service - but Dorset County Council says she will not be replaced.

The move has sparked outrage from parents and parish councillors who claim youngsters walking to St Michael's Middle School will put in danger.

Mrs Brown assists schoolchildren across Wimborne Road and Colehill Lane, close to the war memorial.

One mother, who declined to be named, said: "It's a very dangerous junction and they have to cross two roads. Colehill Lane is dreadful in the mornings. There are cars reversing out and it's always backed up with traffic. It's horrendous for the children trying to get across."

She added: "The government is trying to get kids to walk to school and then we are told they are taking our school crossing patrol away. It's absolutely ridiculous."

Parish council chairman Cllr Janet Dover said: "The parish council was very concerned and asked the county council to reconsider its decision.

"I know the children are of middle school age, but they are more likely to be walking to school on their own. There needs to be a crossing patrol."

Dorset County Council spokesman Neil Fitch said a survey carried out at the crossing point revealed it did not meet the criteria for a patrol.

"We counted the number of vehicles passing the point and the number of children using the crossing and neither met the criteria by a long way," he said.

He added: "We have informed the school and have suggested children use the other patrol at the Smugglers Lane junction."

First published: May 24