COUNTY council bosses have told schools they might be able to keep their lollipop patrols - if they pay for them.

In a letter sent to headteachers across the borough, an option is open for schools to fund the patrols themselves, at a cost of £5,860 per year.

And despite the service being paid for by the school, the council would still be their official employer.

Mum-of-two June Arthurton, 29, was far from impressed.

She said: “This is an insult by the county council.

“Cash raised at school should go towards funding education there. This safety cost should be covered by county council not schools.”

The letter is signed by both Tim Coulson, director for commissioning education and lifelong learning, and Paul Bird, director for comissioning transport and infrastructure.

It states: “We think some schools may wish to retain this provision and are therefore offering schools the opportunity to fund the school crossing patrol.”

A consultation is ongoing over the proposed cuts to the service.

Lib Dem councillors in Brentwood have set up a petition calling for the cuts not to happen.

David Kendall , county councillor for Brentwood South, said: “The lollipop men and women provide a vital frontline service in Brentwood and parent and children safety should always come first.”

To sign the petition, visit www.brentwoodlibdems.org.uk/en/petition/please-do-not-axe-school-crossing-patrols-in-brentwood.

***** The schools set to lose their patrols are: • Long Ridings Primary School, Shenfield • Ingrave Johnstone Primary School, Ingrave • St Joseph the Worker Primary School, Hutton • All Saints Primary School, Hutton • St Peter’s Primary School, South Weald