A Hitchin school could lose its new lollipop lady only months after having her appointed due to a prominent local councillor having her locality budget slashed through the government’s austerity cuts.
Nancy Hickmott aids children’s safety outside Strathmore Infant and Nursery School on Old Hale Way. She assumed the from the much-loved Ken Burton after a gap of two years when the school was left without any cover.
Her vital job is currently funded by Hitchin County Councillor Judi Billing’s locality budget. But there is uncertainty over how much longer the role can be funded if Judi has her budget slashed by further local government cuts.
Concerned Judi, who is a Labour county councillor for Hitchin North, told the Comet: “While I’ve been happy to support the school by paying for the school crossing patrol from my locality budget – this really isn’t good enough in terms of the safety of tiny children and their families.
“When the last school crossing patrol person retired the county council decided not to provide the school with a replacement.
“It was a cruel, dangerous and thoughtless cut to a much appreciated service and they really need to think again.
“Strathmore is a brilliant community school which should be properly supported by Herts County Council.”
A concerned parent added: “The locality budget to fund Nancy’s job as lollipop lady which helps keep our children safe will be coming to an end in the summer and we suspect the role won’t be able to continue after the summer holidays sadly.”
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