Dorset Council's decision to ban a popular lollipop lady from working at a zebra crossing outside a school has been labelled 'ridiculous' by parents.
Lauren Cannon has supervised the crossing at Lytchett Matravers Primary School in Dorset for four years.
But her presence outside the school has now been branded 'unsafe' by the council, who say a lollipop patrol is no longer required after the crossing was installed on the 30mph road in 2025.
This is despite Lytchett Matravers Parish Council offering to fund Ms Cannon's £7,000 annual salary to keep her position. They fear that without her, the road might be used as a 'dangerous rat-run'.
County hall officials have turned down this suggestion, arguing Ms Cannon's presence may 'confuse' drivers.
Parents of children attending Lytchett Matravers Primary School have called the decision 'disgusting' and 'shocking,' saying cars often ignore the speed limit and people waiting at the zebra crossing.
Mother Charlotte Wingfield is among those contesting the ruling. Her seven-year-old daughter, Brooklyn-Mai, is visually impaired and says Ms Cannon is essential to helping her child cross safely.
Miss Wingfield said: 'Lauren isn't just our lollipop lady, she's a pillar of the community. We value her so much and she is vital outside the school.
Dorset Council's decision to ban lollipop lady Lauren Cannon (pictured) in favour of a zebra crossing has been labelled 'ridiculous' by parents
Charlotte Wingfield's (right) seven-year-old daughter Brooklyn-Mai (left) is visually impaired and said the Lauren is vital for helping her cross the road safely
'Drivers are so dangerous there. They shoot past the school, probably unaware that there is a school there.
'The zebra crossing is ignored.
'Brooklyn-Mai's vision is very low so she's sometimes unable to tell if a car has actually stopped at the crossing or not.
'I think it's really disgusting that Dorset Council have done this and I'm worried for my daughter. She will find it very difficult if Lauren goes.
'There's other visually-impaired children at the school and the council know that because their vision support service visits the school so they see how dangerous this road is.'
Parent Zoe Rawlings, whose child is in the school's reception year, said the decision is 'honestly shocking.'
She said: 'It's a dangerous road. It's got lines and a zebra crossing but people still fly through there.
'They go so fast and don't even seem to see people waiting to cross, but they are more likely to stop for the lollipop lady in hi-viz coat. That's why I am fighting this, it's a ridiculous idea.
The new zebra crossing (pictured) outside Lytchett Matravers Primary School
'Whoever has made that decision must not know the road, it's honestly shocking.
'If they get rid of Lauren there will be an accident. A child was knocked over just past the school last year, removing one of the most effective safety measures will put children and parents at greater risk.'
The road supervisor is so popular in the area that when she faced a £700 bill for damage to her car, locals rallied round to set up a crowdfunder to help her pay it.
Lytchett Matravers Parish Council said they are engaging with Dorset Council about the 'disappointing' decision in the hope a way forward can be achieved.
A spokesman said: 'Dorset Council states that this is considered unsafe, as it may cause confusion between the authority of the SCP (School Crossing Patrol) and the legal regulations of the crossing.
'The parish council is very disappointed with this decision. We had already committed to funding the SCP for an additional year to continue supporting the safety of children on their journey to and from school.
'Unfortunately, due to this new policy, it means that school crossing patrols are no longer allowed on zebra crossings, so even if we wanted to employ her directly, a lollipop lady is not allowed here any longer.'
A Dorset Council spokesman said: 'Dorset Council has updated its School Crossing Patrol (SCP) policy to improve safety and to reflect recent investment in new permanent pedestrian crossing facilities at a small number of its 28 active patrol locations.
'We have invested in new permanent crossings that are designed not only to support school communities but also to provide safer places for the wider public to cross throughout the day.
'To ensure the safest possible arrangements, we are reviewing these sites and working closely with stakeholders to support a safe transition from the current patrols to the new permanent crossings.
'SCPs will continue at sites without formal crossings where they meet our policy guidance.
'Our priority is to help children and families travel safely. Updating the policy ensures that crossing arrangements remain clear, consistent and supportive for everyone who uses our roads.'
