AS they make their way to school, children in Ferndown are safely guided across one of the town’s busiest roads by a lollipop lady.

But thanks to cuts at Dorset County Council, which wants to save the £200,000 it currently spends on school crossing patrols across the county, they could soon be left to fend for themselves.

Angry parents have gathered almost 2,000 signatures on a petition against the proposals but have been told the post in Church Road would have to be either funded by the school or covered by volunteers.

It’s just the kind of solution outlined by David Cameron in his Big Society scheme.

But if this is what he wants to see more of, he could have a very big problem on his hands.

The Prime Minister yesterday insisted the initiative, which would see people in the community taking on more responsibility themselves, was not a cover for cuts, but was central to the ‘social recovery’ that the country needed. But concerned parent Liz Howard, who has organised a campaign to fight the council’s plans, disagreed.

“I’m a vicar’s wife and I do a lot of volunteer work myself anyway, so I’m of that ethos,” she explained.

“But I think volunteering to be a lollipop lady is something else. I’ve got three children, so at the time when I’d be needed I would have to be at home with them after school and all the parents are going to be in that situation.

“For that sort of thing it’s going to really take someone who’s going to want to come out in the pouring rain and when they’re getting nothing for it.

“Parents are not allowed to stop traffic themselves anyway, you have to be trained to do so. This whole Big Society thing seems like he’s trying to get people to do things for nothing to make cutbacks.

“I think it’s asking for trouble because there’s no commitment on their part.”

Mr Cameron said the scheme gave people more power and control to improve their lives and their communities.

People on the streets of Bournemouth thought the idea was a good one in principle and, despite claims the scheme was too vague, most appeared to understand the concept.

Denise Rowlett, 40, a teacher from Bournemouth, said: “David Cameron is getting everyone from all levels involved in the community. I think it’s a good idea if it works. I think it has to be driven by the community rather than the government.”

Phil Houghton, 46, on holiday from Staffordshire, who works in logistics, said: “I think it’s great, more inclusion for people, giving everybody equal chance.

“I think that the cuts need to be made in the public sector anyway. I think it’s a bit more about bringing communities back together.”

Tracy Butler, 47, a bus driver from Winton, said: “In our community in Coronation Avenue where I live we all get on – if our neighbours are away we put their bins out. So I think it’s just getting more people to be like that really.”