CONCERNED parents have started lobbying Cambridgeshire County Council after they were told they would not be getting a lollipop lady to help children cross a busy road.

CONCERNED parents have started lobbying Cambridgeshire County Council after they were told they would not be getting a lollipop lady to help children cross a busy road.

Parents had hoped that they would get a replacement crossing patrol man or woman for St Ives Road, where youngsters cross to get to Hemingford Grey Primary School.

The previous lollipop lady left in September 2009.

However, despite a plea by a group of parents, led by Connie Price, for a replacement, none has been found.

And now the council has said the position will not be filled.

A CCC statement issued to the school said: “The school crossing patrol at your school is vacant/sleeping and it is envisaged that it will remain so for the foreseeable future.

“The council has no legal requirement to provide a school crossing patrol. It remains the legal responsibility of the parent to ensure their children are taken to/from school safely.”

David Frost, head of road safety services at CCC, said: “The crossing site at Hemingford Grey Primary School has recently been re-assessed and unfortunately it does not meet the criteria for a crossing patrol, which are set by national guidelines.

“We understand how frustrating this might be for the parents of children who use the school but, given the difficult financial situation local authorities face, we must target our resources where there is greatest need.

“The safety of our schoolchildren, as with all road users throughout the county, is a priority for the council.

“We have planned for our road safety officers to visit the school next term to continue our wider road safety programme. We are also aware of the impact of new housing, so we will reassess the site should there be any significant change.”

Headteacher Kate Fox has sent a letter to parents warning them to “take extra care when dropping children off, picking them up and crossing the road”.

But Mrs Price, 40, of Old Pound Close, Hemingford Grey, says more needs to be done to ensure pupils’ safety.

The mother-of-three said: “We are really upset. The road is dangerous and it is only a matter of time before there is an accident.

“I know that lots of parents have written to the council to voice their strong concerns and I would urge others to do the same.”