School crossing patrols have been put under the spotlight in a bid to save cash.

Tory-led Essex County Council has admitted is scrutinising the service provided by lollipop people due to a funding black hole.

It could mean that patrols at 55 schools in Essex are affected, including Cherry Tree Primary School, in Basildon.

County Hall claims that it has started talking to schools about whether they want to scrap the patrol service outside their classrooms.

The cash-strapped authority could even ask schools to fund the services.

No decisions have been made yet, but depending on consultations, patrols could be removed this summer.

Rodney Bass, the Tory administration’s cabinet member for transport, said: “Due to the current economic climate and the pressure on local authority budgets we are reviewing the delivery of many aspects of public service delivery, particularly non-statutory services.

“In relation to any changes to the School Crossing Patrol, no formal decisions have been made.”

Parents can have their say by visiting www.essexinsight.org.uk.