LOLLIPOP ladies and men would be axed under cost-cutting plans being considered by council chiefsIn the first of a series of articles about proposed budget cuts at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, The Silhillian looks at the transport department.
Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council is considering the ‘disestablishment’ of four patrols when vacancies arise to save £12,000.
It says the saving is at the ‘work in progress’ stage and would not be included in cuts being considered for the 12 months from April.
But it says ‘consideration’ should be given to closing crossings as vacancies arise.
The council is looking at making cuts throughout its services as it braces itself for a massive squeeze on UK public finances
Yet Councillor Ted Richards, cabinet member for transport, said: “I think it is unlikely we should reduce the number.
“It is one of the things that has come up, for example if the crossing patrol staff were no longer available. We would look at vacancy management.”
He said usage of the patrol would be taking into account.
The council has put forward £695,000 worth of savings in a bid to close a financial black hole at the authority for 2010/11.
It includes:
• Putting in plants instead of flower beds at traffic islands to save £21,000.
• Removing some hanging baskets on roads to save £9,000.
• Reducing maintenance of road lines, road signs, traffic signals and car parks to save £59,000.
• Charging organisers to sign events, a move it admits is ‘sensitive’ as charities could be charged. Saving - £3,000.
• Not replacing some trees to save £3,000.
• Reducing grass cutting to save £160,000.
The figures also reveal the council will get £48,000 a year for leasing Princes Way car park in Solihull to Npower.
The council closed the car park to the public on January 10, saying it was under-used.
Cllr Richards said northern councils got more cash than Solihull, which was not prepared to make up the difference with large council tax rises.
He said: “It is a most unfair system.”
The final budget will be set next month. Click here other council savings stories.
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