Happy new year 2016 everyone. Sorry about the short notice, but I only recently found out that there is currently a consultation precisely on the future of our precious lollipops/school crossing patrols. It has been happening over Christmas which isn't great timing really! The Council is having to make cuts which mean our little ones' lives might be in danger. Less than a month ago, a little boy was almost run over in front of Stoke Hill Junior school and the lollipop lady, Linda, a super hero, saved him by pulling him back. Luckily both the lollipop lady and the little boy are safe and well but had she not been there to rescue him, it could have been a very different story. Wherever you live in Exeter, please do take a moment to fill in this survey - the deadline is on the 8th of January. This is the direct link to the consultation survey on the fate of the school crossing patrols: https://new.devon.gov.uk/crossingpatrol/ DCC are keen to transfer the cost to the schools, meaning some schools won't take up the cost, there will be inevitable inequalities between schools and children's lives at risk... By saving the lollipops, we are saving our children, in the same way as lollipop lady Linda saved that little boy just a few weeks ago. This petition is also still live so please do share it with all of your friends, Facebook groups, schools all over Exeter. Nearly 700 signatures, let's make it to 1000 - even more - and then tell the Council we are still very serious about it. Most importantly though, given the urgency and the fact there are only 3 days left in this consultation - which no one seems to have heard about - please do fill ASAP the consultation survey which closes on 8 January and share it widely. Spread it like the plague. There is still time to make some noise and to show that so much is at stake here. The DCC consultation page mentions that ultimately it is the parents' responsibility to ensure their children get to school safely. I think we ALL have a duty of care towards our children, and our Council should be the first to ensure they get to school safe and well. There is nothing more precious than children's lives and they should not have to pay with their life or their injuries for the decisions that we adults make which may compromise their safety. We ask them to please find the money that is needed to ensure no child in Exeter is physically hurt by these cuts. Thank you very much for your help! Lucie