'School lollipop people need to return before tragedy strikes'

Mum Kerri Deboo, whose children attended Werrington Primary School, said she was "really concerned by the local authority's recent decision".

"There are lots of different vehicles... often at quite high speeds despite the fact there are signs for the crossing," she said.

"There is no way my children - aged four and seven - can cross this road safely on their own. I would never feel safe that the cars would stop here."

Parents at the schools protesting against the plans started a petition which said: "Let's not wait for a child to be injured or killed before we take action - we call on councillors to do it before tragedy strikes."

Ellis said a "proposal to remove the school crossing patrol service at four schools in Peterborough was agreed as part of the council's budget for 2024-25".

"It is one of a number of difficult decisions councillors have had to make to be able to balance the budget," he added.

"Crossings and or speed restrictions such as 20mph zones are in place at each of the schools, and we are also providing road safety education for pupils."