PEOPLE power has saved the county’s lollipop patrols.

The Conservative-controlled Devon County Council today (tues) announced it had changed its mind about axing school crossing patrols after heavy pressure from families county-wide.

And Cllr John Hart, leader of the council, promised: ’While I remain leader of this administration at County Hall, I will not reintroduce this measure.’

The county had planned to save £250,000 as part of enforced £26m budget cuts by scrapping the lollipop patrols, asking schools to fund their own.

But Cllr Hart admitted the feedback from families was greater than in either of the two consultations held last year.

Councillors had been prepared on Monday to debate alternative safety methods such as traffic lights or zebra crossings.

But on Tuesday, Cllr Hart said: ’We are required by law to set our budget by the end of February and achieve the savings imposed on us by the government. We continue to face tough choices on our budget in Devon due to austerity cuts but I welcome this further discussion of the issue by scrutiny.’

He said: ’I have been contacted by hundreds of parents and grandparents – far more than took part in the two public consultations last year. I have heard from a lot of mums and dads who were deeply worried about their children’s safety and obviously this is paramount.

’On reflection, I believe this was the wrong decision.’

Cllr Hart added: ’ Our budget is extremely tight but we will now have to find the money to fund the lollipop ladies and men.

’And I want to reassure all the people who have been in contact that while I remain leader of this administration at County Hall I will not reintroduce this measure.’