A retiring lollipop lady will be replaced and extra road safety measures brought in, villagers have been assured.

Carol Smith, 76, has stepped down from the role at Dersingham, near King's Lynn, after 20 years of serving the village primary school.

An online petition signed by 240 people claims Norfolk County Council is considering cancelling the crossing patrol, with a consultation about to begin.

It says: "The loss of this valuable service will see children in Dersingham put in considerable danger, without a safe way to cross Manor Road at the bottom of Dodds Hill."

Eastern Daily Press: Dersingham Primary School, whose crossing patrol will be replacedDersingham Primary School, whose crossing patrol will be replaced (Image: Google)

But county councillor for Dersingham Stuart Dark said the authority was obliged to carry out a review whenever circumstances changed, but he had been given "a firm commitment" that the patrol would continue.

He said highways officers were considering new signs and road markings at the junction of Doddshill Road and Manor Road costing £3,500, which would be paid for from his member's fund, along with new safety barriers outside the school.

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Coral Shepherd, chairwoman of Dersingham Parish Council, said: "We appreciate his efforts over the last few months and are grateful for confirmation that the crossing patrol officer will be replaced and that additional signage will be installed.

"The parish council fought hard in 2016 to retain this service which is vital at this dangerous junction.

"The crossing patrol officer is one of the most important people in Dersingham."

Keir Hughes, the school's safeguarding link governor, said once the measures were in place, the risk to children would be "considerably reduced".

A Norfolk County Council spokesman confirmed the crossing patrol would continue in Dersingham.

"We continually review whether vacant school crossing patrols, which are a discretionary service, are still required," he added.

"We use the national Home Office scoring mechanism as well as taking into account local views and data to make these decisions."