Safety fears over Sunderland lollipop patrols review

Concerns have been raised about plans to reduce lollipop patrols at busy crossings in Sunderland.

Sunderland City Council said it was having to make difficult decisions to meet cuts in its overall budget, and the 60 lollipop men and women currently cost the authority about £300,000 a year.

It has started a review of the patrols and is now considering recruiting volunteers instead or asking businesses to sponsor them.

Liberal Democrat campaigner Niall Hodson accused the council of "compromising the safety of local children."

But Labour Councillor Michael Mordy said the council "would not allow the children's safety to be affected by any of the changes under consideration".