SCHOOL crossing patrols in the borough could be for the axe after a councillor signalled an intention to cut centralised funding last night.

Ten schools currently get cash from Barnet council to employ the lollipop men and women to help youngsters get to and from school on dangerous roads.

However, the funding was put under threat as part of a spending review to save £54m in three years.

When asked by Lib Dem leader Councillor Jack Cohen whether he could confirm all crossing patrols will be retained Councillor Brian Coleman, who is in charge of transport, replied “no”.

In his follow-up question Cllr Cohen said: “I take that to mean you're going to cut school crossing patrols. Please can you confirm which schools will have their patrols cut?”

Cllr Coleman replied: “Ten schools are still funded centrally. Of those ten four wish to retire. It's open to schools to make their own crossing patrol arrangements, just as they make their own staffing arrangements.

“Simply, quite why we're funding ten patrols when the other 110 schools in the borough make their own arrangements no-one can remember.”