FEARS over imminent cuts to the school crossing patrol budget have been calmed after the council confirmed current arrangements 'will remain in place for the foreseeable future'.
Speculation surrounding the future of lollipop men and women in the borough has been mounting but the authority issued a statement to clarify its stance.
A council spokesman said: "School crossing patrols perform a valuable public service in protecting our school children and the service will continue to be provided.
"We have already engaged with our schools on this issue and confirmed the current service arrangements will remain in place.
"We currently employ 19 school crossing patrol officers operating at 18 locations in the borough and this service will continue for the foreseeable future.
"Given the scale of budget cuts the council has faced since 2010 and the fact that we have had to reduce our budget by £93million, we will also be seeking additional and alternative sources of funding for the school crossing patrol service.
"Many other councils are doing the same in order to maintain the service."
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