I refer to your article regarding the lack of school crossing patrols, and the dangers presented to children.

Earlier this year I witnessed two near-miss incidents at Barrow Hedges School, both on separate occasions, whilst the school crossing was unmanned.

I contacted my local councillor who responded by telephone in what I regarded an unsympathetic manner, advising me that the council had recently assumed responsibility but there was no budget set to provide cover for absences.

This prompted me to write a letter, for which I received no reply.

A copy was also sent to Mr Buchanan the safety officer, and the headmaster of the school.

Under the previous arrangements, police managed the service and absences were always covered.

Since the borough has assumed responsibility, it is failing to produce an adequate back up service.

I did speak to Mr Buchanan by telephone I was informed that initially the LBS continued to provide cover by using borough traffic wardens.

This apparently was only in place for six months, due to the council penalising the company which employs the traffic wardens for not issuing enough parking tickets subsequently cover was withdrawn.

So I am afraid it all comes down to a sad story of finance and an arrogant council, more concerned with profit making than with safety of our children.

R D PEDRICK

Upland Road

Sutton

December 19, 2001 17:44