Community Life

Following a meeting with the newly contracted parking control, company [APCOA], the council has agreed that school crossing patrol wardens will remain in-house and will transfer to the department for children, young people and learners.

The decision to keep the wardens in-house comes a few days after almost two dozen lollipop men and women converged on the Town Hall to voice their concerns over being incorporated into APCOA's parking portfolio.

The fight came on the back of the authority's recent decision to award APCOA day-to-day responsibility for parking management and enforcement including the management of all school crossing patrol staff.

At the demonstration, Jenny Phairs speaking on behalf of the group told BBC London: 

“We do not believe that we should be outsourced to a private company. …. If we are outsourced, we cannot guarantee not only our safety, but the safety of the children that we are involved with”.

Safety issues were not their only concern. The demonstrators were also worried that their job descriptions would be substantially changed and that their salary could be affected.

 Cabinet member for children’s services and adult learning, Councillor Maria Gatland said:

 “It makes sense that the men and women who play an important part in keeping our children safe as they travel to and from school, should actually work within the department for children, young people and learners.

 “Whilst the jobs of our school crossing patrol wardens have never been in jeopardy as a consequence of the parking contract award, we are pleased to be able to confirm their long term position.”

Find out why the protesters were unhappy with being part of APCOA. Log onto video above.

Let me have your views. Is this a turn-around for the council? Do you agree with the decision? Email: evadney.campbell@bbc.co.uk