PLANS to axe school crossing patrols in Essex, including five across Brentwood, have been ditched.

Long Ridings Primary in Shenfield, Ingrave Johnstone Primary, St Joseph the Worker Primary and All Saints Primary in Hutton and St Peters Primary in South Weald were all under threat of losing their crossing patrol.

Not anymore.

County Hall originally proposed to cut patrols to save £322,000 earkier this year, suggesting schools fund lollipop workers themselves.

But this week it backtracked.

Jeanette Miller, headteacher of Hutton All Saints Primary, on Claughton Way, is delighted.

She said: “This is fantastic news! Our lollipop lady has been with us for 25 years and been doing a great job.

“It was a big concern and now it makes me happy that the children will be safe. We ran a petition and raised our concerns. We wouldn’t have been able to pay a lollipop lady for the rest of the year.”

Teachers, pupils and parents across the county were united in their support of the crossing patrols - and determined to make county council transport boss Rodney Bass listen.

Mr Bass said the council’s current financial position was better than when the announcement was first made in March.

He added: “This announcement proves we listen. Representations have been made during an extended period of consultation and we have examined and analysed them.

“I can now assert that the school crossing patrols are safe in our hands.”