Ferndown, Motoring & Transport | Posted on July 17th, 2026 | return to news

Ferndown fights to save lollipop lady

Councillors from Ferndown are urging Dorset Council to reverse a decision to remove a school crossing guard.

Councillors from Ferndown Town Council are working to stop Dorset Council from removing a school crossing patrol from Church Road.

Earlier in May, it was reported that Ferndown Middle School was in danger of losing its lollipop lady Sarah Middleton, as Dorset Council is cutting the road at the end of the summer term. That month, Ferndown Town Council formally resolved to request Dorset Council to reverse its decision.

Ferndown Town Councillor Philip Leach and two local residents attended the full council meeting of Dorset Council on Thursday 16 July to challenge the decision to remove the school crossing patrol.

Ferndown Town Council said: “At the meeting, the Dorset Councillors for Ferndown North presented a petition against the closure and also asked questions about this highly controversial decision. Disappointingly, Dorset Council have refused to reconsider the decision to remove the post, continuing to state that it has been made on safety grounds.

“Ferndown Town Council remains firmly opposed to this action. We continue to question how a decision which claims to be based on health and safety can be justified when, in our view, no verifiable evidence has been presented to support it. There is also no financial justification for removing the post.

“Ferndown Town Council will continue to challenge this appalling decision. It is our firm and stated belief that there are exceptional circumstances in Church Road, which would enable Dorset Council to allow third party sponsorship of the school crossing patrol”.

The town council issued a thanks to Sarah Middleton for dedication, professionalism and service.