AN AYRSHIRE MSP has lamented the decreasing number of lollipop crossing guards, labelling them an ‘endangered species’ after a recent Freedom of Information request revealed their steep decline in South Ayrshire.

In 2012, there were 67 lollipop crossing guards in South Ayrshire. This has declined by almost half to just 35 in 2022. They cover 53 sites in South Ayrshire.

Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP for South Scotland, Sharon Dowey, says that the Scottish Government’s December budget means more cuts to councils and fears this will lead to fewer lollipop crossing guards.

She said: “When I saw the Scottish Budget in December, I knew that it was bad news for South Ayrshire Council. When the SNP Government makes cuts to local council funding, South Ayrshire Council makes cuts to public services.

“That’s why I’m calling on the Scottish Government to give local councils a fair deal and fund them properly. Otherwise, lollipop people could become a thing of the past in South Ayrshire.

“There are already growing fears that the school run is becoming unsafe in South Ayrshire. Take Coylton Primary School as an example, where numerous accidents have taken place.

“We know the SNP aren’t serious about road safety. We’ve seen it with the A77 and we’re seeing it again with cuts to lollipop people.

“It’s high time that the SNP fund South Ayrshire Council properly and get lollipop crossing guards back on our streets.”

A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council confirmed that they currently have no plans to reduce the number of crossing guards.

They said: “The safety of children and young people going to and from our schools is always a top priority.

Our school estate has changed over the years and we currently have 53 sites covered by 35 school crossing patrollers and 18 school janitors. There are also automated crossings to help children and young people cross roads safely.

“There are no plans to reduce school crossing patrollers.”