HOW much is a child’s life worth...?

Say angry parents and residents protesting over “penny pinching” measures to axe a “life saving” school crossing patrol in an Anglesey village.

The lollipop patrol in front of Ysgol Llanfechell will end in July, along with around eight remaining patrols across the island, as part of Anglesey County Council’s plans to save £58,000.

Due to funding cuts in the Highways’ budget over the past eight years, the council has been gradually reducing school patrols, which are not a mandatory provision.

Villagers in Llanfechell have now launched a campaign to protect children from crossing what they say is a “busy and dangerous road.”

Mum of three Jaclyn Milburn has gathered a 280 signature petition and is appealing for people to add their names to save Ysgol Llanfechell’s lollipop lady. She is also calling for the council to meet with the residents.

The Island’s MP Albert Owen is backing the protest, in what he calls the council’s “petty and short-sighted” plan.

Jaclyn Milburn said: “Everyone is up in arms about what is penny pinching and it could jeopardise our children’s safety.

“The response to the campaign has been terrific and wholly understandable. The road that passes the school is busy, not well lit and has a lot agricultural machinery travelling up and down it.

“Our lollipop lady is much needed to help our children cross this busy thoroughfare safely, it’s a dangerous road, parents need to know their kids are in safe hands.

“The lollipop lady doesn’t wish to be named, but she has been here for about 15 years, she is very popular and caring, she knows all the children’s names.

“With a new 18 house development being built literally next door to the school the traffic will only become worse. We need the council to meet with residents one evening, and also ask people to sign our paper petition.”

John Roberts, a dad of four, who has two children at the school said: “They shouldn’t be playing with children’s lives, just to save money. It’s disgraceful. What is a child’s life worth?

“The saving they will make is minimal, the loss of school crossing patrols is happening across the island. It shouldn’t be happening. It's disgusting.

“The council does what it wants, it doesn’t listen to people, we have asked for meetings. It’s our children’s lives we are dealing with.”

Another resident Jasmine Rose said: “It is ridiculous to not have a lollipop lady, the safety of our children is at stake here.

“It’s a very busy road, lots of tractors and lorries go up and down, and there is building work going on near the school.”

Grandmother Karen Roberts, said: “Lots of children walk to school, they have been encouraged to be healthy, they even get a badge. They can do that because parents know it is safe with the lollipop lady there. It is disgusting that they are considering getting rid of her when you see the speed the traffic comes through the village.”

Another resident Roxanne Evans added: “It is a stupid idea to get rid of the lollipop lady, she is important for the children’s safety.”

Albert Owen MP, who has visited the village, said: “The community in Llanfechell is quite rightly appalled at the council’s decision to get rid of their lollipop lady.

“Having met up with concerned parents and residents at the school perimeter, the council’s decision is flawed and the savings made are minimal at best.

“Our lollipop ladies/men are a vital part in maintaining safe routes to our schools and the council should look again at its decision to close down such a vital community service across the Island.”

Anglesey council was contacted for a comment.