BUDEHAVEN Community School is one of those that will have its school crossing patrol withdrawn this month, Cornwall Council has confirmed.

The council said earlier this year, it updated its school crossing patrol policy in the light of new national guidance, which stated that where there is a formal light controlled crossing, the addition of a school crossing patrol (SCP) ‘can cause confusion, safety issues and in some cases, can be considered a duplication of safety measures’.

A spokesperson for the council said: “The council’s updated policy adopts the principle that SCPs should only be provided at fixed formal crossings where exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated and there is a clear need for both facilities.”

It said 15 of the 115 school crossing patrol sites in Cornwall were identified as having formal controlled crossings in place and, therefore, subject to the new policy. The council said all 15 affected schools were advised of the review in February.

Initial reviews were carried out in March at all 15 sites to determine whether exceptional circumstances existed to warrant both a formal crossing and a school crossing patrol.

The council spokesperson added: “Since then second reviews have been carried out at each location, with interested parties invited to give their views on the proposal to withdraw SCPs at the sites.

“Following analysis of the results of both reviews, and the comments received during the consultation, it has been agreed that SCPs will be withdrawn at seven of the 15 original sites.”

Among the seven is Budehaven Community School.

The council said all the affected schools have been informed of the results of the reviews, and that the school crossing patrols will be withdrawn from the seven sites from this month.

The spokesperson added: “However, all the affected schools still have the option of directly funding additional patrols if they wish to do so. In these cases the council will work with the schools to establish a working agreement.”

Budehaven headteacher David Barton said: “Sadly, a decision has been taken by Cornwall Council to withdraw the school crossing patrol on Stratton Road outside the secondary school. I fully understand the financial savings that the council have to make, but there is increased traffic and more people are crossing the road due to the new supermarket opening and more houses being built off Stratton Road.

“On behalf of the primary school headteachers in the town and everyone at Budehaven, I’d like to thank Sally for being such a great school crossing patrol. Come rain or shine, she is always a cheerful start to the pupils’ day at school. We shall all miss her.”