Labour councillors have accused their Conservative rivals of refusing to debate plans to cut lollipop men and women in Lichfield and Burntwood.

Discussions were cut short at a meeting of Staffordshire County Council on Thursday (13th December).

It came after Labour had tabled a motion on the plans, which are being considered as part of a bid to fill a funding shortfall. But a so-called ‘wrecking amendment’ was made to prevent a full debate.

Councillor Sue Woodward, leader of the opposition Labour group at the county council, said: “The Conservatives have no defence for their planned cuts to school crossing patrols.

Sue Woodward
Sue Woodward

“So instead they shut down discussion in the worst undemocratic way.

“As representatives of our communities, it is our duty to raise our constituents’ concerns. But we were stopped from doing so.

“If the Conservatives really wanted to take on board public concern, they would have discussed a way forward with the Labour group before the council meeting rather than tabling a wrecking amendment just as the debate started.”

A petition was submitted with more than 2,500 names on it, taking the total to 5,000, and Cllr Woodward believes the voices of residents should be heard.

“The Conservatives said that they are listening,” she said. “They were unwilling to listen to any debate at the meeting, but I can only hope they will.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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AnnS
5 years ago

We shouldn’t be surprised with this typical Tory ploy.

AgitatorofPeople
5 years ago

Kids lives put at risk, and the Conservative led council treat it with utter contempt. Utterly disgusting.

Simon Robinson
5 years ago

Why don’t us tax payers sack all the council people and just keep the work force. That’s the way to save the big money.

Colin Ball
5 years ago

What an absolute disgrace! I’ve been out at school gates, with other Labour Party colleagues, collecting hundreds of signatures on petitions. Now, the Tories at the County won’t even allow a debate. I will be raising this tonight at Lichfield District Council. The Tories at the County really do need to think again about this crazy plan to cut funding for school crossing patrols.

Colin Ball – Lichfield City and District Councillor for Curborough.