NUMBERS of lollipop controlled crossing patrols have declined over the past two years, causing concern for youngsters, parents and teachers.

So it will come as a pleasant surprise to hear that Bolton Council has decided to stop the rot and address the situation.

In addition to the non-replacement of staff who retired or resigned, the problem was compounded by there being no standby staff to cover when regular patrol officers were off sick. Now, that problem will be addressed.

Standby patrols are being sought and crossings which have been carrying vacancies are being reassessed.

The council is making the right decision. It may all boil down to finding the money to fund these positions -- but what cost do we place on our children's lives?