ANGRY parents in Dinas Powys have slammed a council decision to make two school crossing patrols redundant - at one of the busiest junctions in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Carol Garland, who has held the post at the Dinas Powys Infants School junction for nealy 30 years, and David Letts, who has been there for the last five, are to leave their jobs on April 15 - the last day of term before the Easter holidays.

After that, parents and children alike must rely on the pelican crossings at the Cardiff Road-Murch Road four-way junction, which is the primary link for Barry, Penarth and Cardiff.

“This is arguably the busiest junction in the entire Vale, aside from the Merrie Harrier, and I think it’s a terrible decision,” said Eloise Price, a Dinas Powys resident."

Lynne Williams, whose grandchildren attend the infants school, added: "Crossing the road is extremely dangerous and we would be lost without the crossing patrols at home-time - they are vitally important here."

Helen Jones, another grandmother, said: "It’s disgraceful. They are sacrificing safety and for what, to save a few pennies?”

Parents are also furious that there was no consultation by the council.

Derek Thomas, headteacher at Murch Junior School, confirmed that he had not been consulted.

“You can’t put a price on a child’s life and as the headteacher of one of the schools directly affected, I would have expected some notification,” he said.

“As it stands I am still waiting for a response from the Local Education Authority, who are yet to even contact me.”

Andrew Smith, a local gardener with a daughter in the junior school and a son in the infants, called the local authority ‘selfish and irresponsible’.

“We cant’ believe it - these are basic bottom-level services they are cutting," he said.

"If they need to cut, do it at the top, not the bottom where the services are really needed.”

After 28 years working on the school crossing, Carol said she would be leaving with a heavy heart.

“It was a shock when I found out,” said the Castle Drive resident.

“I knew I would have to retire one day, I just didn't think it would be so soon.

“I have never looked at it as work because I look forward to seeing the kids each and every day. They make it all worth it.”

Fellow patrol David Letts added: “I feel let down - but it’s the safety of the children I'm most concerned about.”

Cllr Jeff James, cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "The council continually assesses the requirement for crossing patrols. As a result, the temporary contracts of a number of School Crossing Patrols are not being renewed after Easter 2011.

"We would like to offer our thanks for the long and good service provided by these members of staff over the years."