SOUTH Dorset MP Richard Drax has called on County Hall to re-think its plans to axe lollipop ladies and men.

The Conservative MP penned a strong letter to Dorset County Council leader Angus Campbell, urging him to consider the safety of the children affected by the move.

Scores of angry readers bombarded the Daily Echo website earlier this week, after we reported on the county’s decision to halt the provision.

The authority, which needs to make savings of nearly £60 million to balance its books, is looking to stop funding patrols in a bid to claw back £200,000.

In his letter, Mr Drax said: “I am instinctively uneasy at this proposal – which I understand will be discussed at full council next month. I am writing to ask you and your council to reconsider and to seek savings from another area instead.”

This latest development came as news emerged from Scotland that a lollipop lady died in hospital after being struck by a bus.

Audrey Williams, 79, was injured as she returned from helping children to the other side of the road on Thursday morning.

The investigating police officer said: “Thankfully no children were on the road at the time.”

Dorset County Council has asked schools, town and parish councils to foot the crossing patrol bill – or find volunteers to do the job for free.

Mr Drax wrote: “I appreciated, as you do, that we face very austere times and that cutbacks have to be made to live within our means.

“I understand that you are saving about £200,000, which in the round is a relatively small amount of money.

“I appreciate the council does not have a statutory duty to finance lollipop ladies and that several other councils around the country have turned to parish councils, schools and charities to meet this requirement.”

But Mr Drax warns the safety of children is paramount.

He added: “As I understand it, if no alternative funding is found, the 66 sites in the county will be without lollipop ladies and that would be unfortunate.”