Solihull Mum Calls for Urgent Action on 'Life or Death' Issue Outside School
A mother from Solihull has issued a desperate plea to the local council, describing the lack of a school crossing patrol as a 'life or death' matter. The 32-year-old, who asked to be identified only as Millie, has two children attending Peterbrook Primary School in Shirley and said her daughter was 'nearly ran over' by a speeding vehicle.
Missing Lollipop Person for 18 Months
Millie, a former pupil of the school, highlighted that a lollipop person has been absent for nearly 18 months, since December 2024. She expressed frustration that Solihull Council 'aren't taking this seriously' despite multiple emails going unanswered. The school is located opposite an Esso petrol station on Yardley Wood Road, where drivers 'whiz around the corner', creating a hazardous environment for children.
The mother of three recalled the terrifying incident: 'My daughter was holding the pram and a car whizzed past centimetres away. My heart dropped. This could have been a tragedy.' She believes a lollipop person is essential to prevent injury or death.
Community Campaign for Safety
Millie is rallying the community to pressure the council. 'As a community, we're trying to show Solihull Council that we're serious. We want our lollipop person back,' she said. She noted that when she attended the school, a crossing patrol was always present, but now drivers ignore the presence of young children.
Pamela Hashdi, principal of Peterbrook Primary School, responded: 'The safety of our pupils is our absolute priority. While the school cannot appoint crossing patrols—that is the council's responsibility—we support the community's calls for a permanent solution. We continue to educate pupils on road safety and urge drivers to be vigilant.'
Council Response
A Solihull Council spokesperson stated: 'Following the retirement of the previous school crossing patrol, a recruitment exercise in November 2024 was unsuccessful. This role has been difficult to fill. We understand the concerns and are exploring options, including assessing the feasibility of installing an additional zebra crossing at this location.'
Millie remains adamant: 'It's life or death. One child a centimetre off a car is a life gone. The council must act before it's too late.'
