Bannockburn Primary parents have insisted that the absence of a lollipop patroller near the school, as well as additional safety measures, is “an accident waiting to happen”.
They point out that there has been no patroller at the Falkirk Road crossing to guide schoolchildren across the road for a year.
Last month Stirling Council had said that patrollers were not being replaced as part of cost-cutting measures.
Bannockburn Primary parents contacted the Observer before the end of term to express concern that the current situation is putting children at risk.
Bannockburn Primary School Parents Council seretary Erin Currie said: “For the last year we have not had a guard to support the children and their families from Bannockburn Primary School to cross this extremely busy road safely.
“Cars don’t stop and continue to drive at speed through the crossing on a regular basis.
“Since there are no speed reduction measures in place and no crossing guard – or a pelican style crossing to stop traffic - it is an accident waiting to happen and a danger to everyone.
“It is only due to the vigilance of the parents and children that no one has been harmed, never mind killed.
“Children and families have been very patient. However, there has been little done and they deserve a safe place to cross the road to their main gate to the school.”
Bannockburn Primary School Parent Council chairperson Tam Cassidy added: “It’s clear to all of us who are at the crossing on a regular basis that if something isn’t done then this is an accident waiting to happen.
“This is about saving our bairns not saving budgets.”
Earlier this year councillors had agreed the phased removal of lollipop patrols - to be implemented once upgraded traffic controlled crossings are in place and in consultation with the schools involved.
In response, a Stirling Council spokesperson said: “We have been actively attempting to recruit a school crossing patroller to work outside Bannockburn Primary School during this time.
"The current vacancy is not related to any budget decision and the recruitment process remains ongoing.
“We are developing plans to implement appropriate traffic management systems across our school estate and will consult with schools before any changes are made. We remain in close dialogue with Bannockburn Primary School on any safety concerns regarding road traffic.”
