GOODNEWS: Lib Dems cause major Tory U-Turn on school crossing patrols
At last week's Essex County Council Full Council meeting (13/5/14) the Conservative administration voted unanimously against a Lib Dem motion calling on the Cabinet Member Cllr Rodney Bass to abandon his proposals to withdraw funding for school crossing patrols (where fixed crossings exist) in the interests of children's safety. When the motion was proposed by Lib Dem Cllr David Kendall one Tory councillor, Joe Pike called it "Out of Order" and a "Joke". Another Tory councillor Valerie Metcalfe called the motion "Puerile". However just one week later and Cllr Rodney Bass makes an announcement at todays Cabinet meeting that the 48 school crossing patrols on zebra crossings that were under review are now all going to be saved. This major u-turn in policy left those attending the meeting stunned as it came completley out of the blue. Lib Dem Cllr David Kendall said: "I am absolutely delighted that the motion and campaigning by Lib Dem councillors, along with petitions and letters from parents, teachers and child
