CAMPAIGNERS have lost their battle to save a school crossing patrol on a “dangerous” road in Norton.

Councillors voted to recommend the end of the lollipop service on Heath Farm Road which covers pupils attending Gigmill School despite a campaign by parents and the school’s headteacher branding the road dangerous and appealing for the patrol to stay.

The decision, by members of Stourbridge Area Committee yesterday (Monday June 27), followed a report from Dudley traffic bosses which said surveys showed a low level of ‘potential conflict’ between pedestrians and vehicles.

The meeting heard two traffic surveys, in September 2010 and April 2011, both recorded results well below the level required for a manned patrol.

Councillors were also told an electronic sign near the school indicated vehicle speeds were well below Association of Chief Police Officers’ speed enforcement levels and no personal injury accidents had been recorded in the vicinity of the crossing site.

A row has been raging since last July after parents were told the service, which costs £1,500 annually, was to be cut after the retirement of the full-time crossing warden triggered a traffic survey.

Dudley Council agreed to maintain a service until a £9,000 automatic speed warning sign was installed near the school gate and more surveys were carried out.