A Newquay school’s crossing patrol that was due to be stop has been given a reprieve.

Cllr Drew Creek and Cllr Joanna Kenny have managed to persuade Cornwall Council to overturn a proposal to cut funding to provide a crossing patrol opposite Heron Tennis Centre for Newquay Junior Academy.

Funding has been allocated to cover the cost of a crossing patrol up until the end of the academic term in December. The councillors alongside Newquay Junior headteacher Tania Findlay MBE are now working to get the funding extended so that the crossing patrol can continue next year.

Newquay Junior Academy has two crossing patrols. The crossing patrol outside Newquay Junior is funded by the school and the other outside Heron Tennis centre is funded by Cormac via Cornwall Council, which is under threat.

Cllr Creek said: “I was extremely disappointed this summer to learn of Cornwall Council’s decision to remove the school crossing patrol from Newquay Junior Academy.

“The safety of our children is paramount, which is why I took immediate action. I am pleased we successfully had the patrol reinstated for this term.

“We are now working hard alongside the fantastic Tania Findlay MBE, head of the school, to ensure this becomes a permanent solution. We simply cannot allow our children’s safety to become a victim of budget pressures.”

Newquay Town Council discussed the issue at its meeting held on Wednesday, October 1.

Cllr Frances Williamson said: “People are very delighted the traffic control has been sorted for Newquay Junior Academy. There is an interest to know what the longer-term future is for that role as safety for children going to and from school is very important.”

Mayor Cllr Creek said: “It was by no means a solo effort. Cllr Kenny was alongside me on the fight for that one.

“I’m really pleased to get the crossing patrol confirmed and reinstated until the end of this academic term in December.

“I did happen to have a conversation with Cllr Leigh Frost, the leader of Cornwall Council about this. The point I made is that in this day and age given the financial pressures schools find themselves under it is not acceptable to expect them to fork more money out of their budget that has been relatively cut because of inflation and pay rises that haven’t been funded by national.

“So, I’m confident we will move forward in a positive way. It is so important to keep our children safe walking to and from school and the removal of that under the previous administration’s budget was unbelievable really.”

Newquay Junior Academy headteacher Tania Findley said: “Alongside our own, we have received many concerns from parents about the dangers posed at the zebra crossing opposite the Heron Tennis Centre.

“Cornwall Council’s view that the zebra crossing alone is sufficient does not reflect the daily reality. Even with a dedicated patrol in place, there have been some near-miss incidents clear evidence that the crossing alone is not enough to protect children and families.

“This is one of the busiest pedestrian routes in Newquay, used by pupils from several schools and the wider community. The presence of a patrol is not simply a reassurance; it is a proven safeguard that helps prevent serious accidents.

“We are extremely grateful to Drew Creek, mayor of Newquay, and Cllr Joanna Kenny, who have been so supportive in recognising the importance of maintaining this vital service. It is essential that Cornwall Council listens to the voices of parents, schools, and the community, and ensures that the safety of our children remains the highest priority.”