Changes announced to School Crossing Patroller provision

SCHOOL Crossing Patrollers will remain at 13 sites previously deemed as ‘non-viable’ in Moray.

A decision was made in February 2018 to remove school crossing patrollers from sites which were, using national RoSPA guidance, deemed as non-viable. Staffing of these sites was due to finish today.

Yesterday, councillors decided that the non-viable sites will keep a patroller, however cover at signalled crossings, and all sites at lunchtime, will be removed.

This means that £86,000 will be saved in the 2018/19 school year, £33,000 less than was originally agreed earlier this year.

Convener of Moray Council, Cllr Shona Morrison, said: “The majority of councillors voted yesterday to reverse the budget decision taken earlier this year, meaning we’ll continue to provide cover at a total of 30 crossing sites in Moray.

“Staff have been informed and we’ll do all we can to make sure as many sites as possible are staffed by the time pupils return from their summer holiday.”

Staffing at the following sites was due to end today, but will now retain a patroller, subject to availability, from August 2018:

Buckie: South Pringle Street/West Cathcart Street

Buckie: Well Road/Mill Crescent

Elgin: Brodie Drive/Seafield School

Elgin: Wittet Drive/Mayne Road

Elgin: Glenlossie Drive

Elgin: Main Street/School Brae

Findochty: Netherton Terrace/Mid Street

Fochabers: High Street

Forres: Orchard Road/Applegrove School

Forres: Pilmuir Road West

Mosstodloch: Garmouth Road/ Mosstodloch School

Aberlour: Queens Road/High Street

Dufftown: Balvenie Street/Albert Place/Macduff Place

Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live. Nestling between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands, Moray stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Brodie Castle in the west.