A SCHOOL is protesting at a decision to take away its lollipop lady.
Protesters say children will be in danger crossing the road near Gilthwaites First School at Denby Dale.
But Kirklees Council officials say too few pupils cross busy Wakefield Road to justify the expense of a crossing patrol.
However, it was said today that their survey had been taken at the wrong time.
Peter Belsey, chairman of the school governors, said: "They say they saw only six children in the morning.
"But we start 15 minutes earlier than other schools, so what they saw must have been stragglers."
Lollipop lady Jackie Ibbotson retired last Friday after 17 years' care of the youngsters.
The school was told only the day before that she would not be replaced.
Mr Belsey said: "There has been absolutely no consultation with the school about this.
"This road is a very busy one, feeding to the M1. It is dangerous not to have anyone to see the pupils across."
Parents of pupils are being urged to write protest letters to Kirklees.
A council spokesman said there had been a second survey for an hour last Friday morning, when very few people were seen to cross.
"Ten children crossed in the busiest 30-minute period. Four of these had made a special visit to wish the outgoing crossing patrol all the best in her new job," the spokesman added.
He said another count would be carried out in the next school year to see if the situation had changed.
