By Edel Kenealy

Copyright dailyrecord

Lollipop men and women at nine Renfrewshire schools have been given a stay of execution. Renfrewshire Council confirmed earlier this month how it planned to cull school crossing patrollers in towns and villages across the local authority area. However, at a recent full meeting of the council, it was agreed the proposed changes would be referred back to the infrastructure, land and environment (ILE) policy board. Crucially, it was also agreed any proposed changes would be approved by elected representatives on the board and not council officers, as had initially been planned. Schools affected by the planned changes include St Charles’ and Williamsburgh primaries in Paisley , East Fulton Primary and Linwood High School in Linwood and West Johnstone Campus, St Margaret’s and Thorn primaries in Johnstone . The village primary schools in Bridge of Weir, Howwood and Inchinnan are also impacted. Yesterday, parents at Howwood Primary – where the removal of a safe crossing is planned on Bowfield Road – vowed to continue their fight to halt the plans entirely. Parent Mary Chambers wrote in her petition to save the lollipop woman on Bowfield Road: “This location is a notoriously dangerous place for children to cross, and eliminating such a crucial safety measure puts young lives at considerable risk. “Residents of Howwood and nearby areas have witnessed first-hand the busy nature of Bowfield Road and the potential dangers it poses. “How many times a year is the barrier at the bend repaired/replaced because a lorry/car has damaged it? Without this critical crossing aid, the risk of accidents and injuries significantly increases. “Considering the safety of our children should be a top priority. The lollipop crossing is not just a convenience; it is a necessary safeguard that prevents potential tragedies.” Three motions had been put forward regarding the school crossing patrollers following a huge backlash from parents at various schools across the local authority area. Councillors had also raised grave concerns about the fact the decision had been taken by council officials and not elected representatives. Councillor Eddie Devine – whose Paisley South ward takes in St Charles’ Primary – said he was “furious” at the decision to remove the safe crossings but also that it was taken without elected members approval. He told the Paisley Daily Express: “I’m pleased this issue has been referred back to the ILE. A decision like this must be made by elected representatives, who are accountable to the public, and not council officers. “My views on it remain the same, I do not want to see the school crossing patroller removed in my ward or anywhere across the local authority area. It’s just too big a risk to children’s safety at any location.” Renfrewshire Council said the nine locations had been put forward following a refresh of the school crossing patrol criteria, which had been agreed by councillors at an earlier ILE board meeting. The criteria looked at national road safety guidelines, the number of vehicles passing and pedestrians and pupils using a crossing before and after the school day. The spokesperson said: “This identified nine locations which don’t meet the policy criteria requiring a school crossing patroller as the locations either have a signal-controlled crossing, appropriate traffic calming measures or low numbers of road traffic and pedestrians and pupils using the crossing. “Following this update, we are now carrying out engagement with local ward members, headteachers and parent councils over the coming weeks. This process will consider additional signage and road safety measures at each location.” Don’t miss the latest Renfrewshire headlines – you can sign up to our free daily newsletter here