A VILLAGE school has launched an urgent appeal to save their lollipop lady.

Hatherden Church Of England Primary School is trying to save the role of their lollipop lady Natalie Jones after it was announced that funding for the position would be cut.

Natalie became the school’s lollipop lady around 18 months ago after Churchill Insurance ran a scheme to fund the role, but the company has said the programme will be stopped.

The company had hoped local councils would take on the idea and continue funding the position, however, Hampshire County Council has told Natalie the road outside of the school does not meet national guidelines issued by Road Safety GB and will not provide funding.

The company said: “We funded a scheme to get more lollipoppers on the streets, in the hope that local councils would take on the idea and carry it on after the initial funding by us.You’d need to contact your local council now with any questions about further funding for your position.”

She said: “It is a brilliant role and I’ve really enjoyed being here, and during my time we have had some very close calls - some kids have run out into the road so I have saved quite a few.”

Following the decision Hatherden parents have shared their concerns over the move.

Michelle Turner said: “I strongly feel that the proposed removal of the crossing patrol will put our children’s lives at risk when they are going to school.My son has not grasped the importance of crossing the road safely. On one occasion he started to cross the road without realising that there was an oncoming vehicle. Natalie did not hesitate; she was able to stop him before an accident occurred.”

Danielle Rolfe added: “As a mother of three small children I have had several incidents with my children enthusiastically running to school or towards the car in the evening. Without Natalie’s presence I would not be surprised of a major incident happening.

The road that runs outside Hatherden School is on a bend, it is incredibly hard to see far up the road, and a significant number of drivers drive faster than the speed limit.”

Another parent said: “Although the road doesn’t appear that busy, it is the main road which leads from the village to Andover. Nat has been a real asset as well as ensuring my daughter’s safety. On one occasion I was carrying my two-year-old and my daughter was running full speed towards the road - I was terrified as, even though she is sensible, the place to cross the road is on a bend and on the side she was on there is the church hedge which blocks the view of the road. Nat’s presence, a firm raising of the voice and lollipop was enough to stop her in her tracks. She stopped short of the road as cars whizzed by.”

The parish council, Friends of Hatherden School (FOHS) and school governors are campaigning to keep the lollipop lady from September 2018 for a year, meaning £5,500 needs to be fundraised by the end of July.

All parties are coming together to hold A Pledge Day will be held on Monday, July 2 where donations can be given towards this cause. The FOHS will be collecting cash donations between 8.30am to 9am at the school gates.

Natalie will also be running 5.5k to raise £5,5000 in August.

A sponsored bike ride will also be taking place as well as a raffle to win a £50 cake.

Councillor Kirsty Locke said: “I have asked the director of Highways Stuart Jarvis to look into the funding situation and see if the county can provide funding for the new school year in September.”

Hampshire County Council was approached for a comment, but did not respond.