SCHOOL crossing patrols in some parts of Dumbarton and the Vale could be axed as council bosses look for ways to cut costs.

Plans to remove ‘lollipop’ patrols in 17 locations will go before a West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) meeting next week.

The move would save a total of £45,000 if councillors endorse the idea – but even if they do, it’ll only go a small way towards bridging a budget gap of almost £2.9 million.

A report prepared ahead of a full council meeting on February 24 includes the removal of school crossing patrols as a possible savings option – but only from places where there are already existing pedestrian crossing facilities.

The report states that the council is already struggling to fill vacant posts for school crossing patrollers, so current and any future vacancies would simply be left unfilled.

The report says “Best practice guidance states that school crossing patrollers should not be deployed at junctions where pedestrian crossings already exist because this duplication can be confusing for motorists.

“The council has experienced difficulties recruiting for school crossing vacancies and the saving would be achieved through not filling vacant posts. We would continue to work with pupils and parents to promote road safety. “