PARENTS are campaigning for a new lollipop lady outside two schools on a busy road.

Fears are growing that Ghyllgrove Infant and Junior School in The Gore, Basildon, will not have its lollipop lady replaced.

A protest against the decision was held at the school on Friday and more than 100 people have signed a petition to put before Essex County Council.

Ten years ago, two children were hit by cars and a lollipop lady was brought in, following a similar campaign.

Teresa Dereve, whose daughter Summer, four, attends the infant school, said: “If there’s no crossing supervisor it’s an accident waiting to happen.

“Is it going to take another accident for them to realise how important it is? It’s outrageous.”

Ghyllgrove Infant School head teacher Jean Clark said she feared for the safety of the more than 300 students at the two schools.

She said: “Two children were struck there before we got the crossing. That’s why parents campaigned back then to have a lollipop person.

“I am really worried, really concerned.

“When you come out of the school we do have quite a high ramp, but if students just come running out they could get hit by a passing car.”

Basildon councillors Pat and Phil Rackley have thrown their support behind the campaign against Essex County Council.

Mrs Rackley said: “What concerns me is the road is getting even busier.

“Traffic going to court and the job centre used to go down the one-way system, but because they’ve blocked that off they have to go down The Gore.

“It’s a long-term plan to build in that area, so the traffic is going to be heavier for a while.”

Tracey Chapman, Essex county councillor and cabinet member for highways and transportation said: “The position is under review at the moment and no formal decision has yet been made regarding a replacement.

“The public will be consulted as part of the review.”

The lollipop lady for the schools retired on Friday.