Rita, who is based at the Webbs Road and Honeywell Road junction, was told that her role will be made redundant this October half-term – a decision that has left parents, pupils and local residents shocked.
Within hours of hearing the news, neighbours set up a petition to save her job, gathering more than 120 signatures in just two hours.
“Rita does a fantastic job of looking after children’s safety and I don’t understand the council’s decision,” said long-time resident Edward Killwick, who started the Save Our Lollipop Lady Rita group on October 5.
A spokesperson for Wandsworth Council confirmed that Rita’s role as a school crossing patrol is “no longer viable” and that a new zebra crossing will be installed at the junction.
A Wandsworth Council spokesperson added: “We’d like to thank Rita for her many years of service as the school’s lollipop lady.”
Edward, who has lived on Honeywell Road for 35 years, told Your Local Guardian he and other residents only found out about the redundancy when Rita did.
He explained: “She had very short notice because they’re putting in a new zebra crossing.
“Webbs Road is pretty quiet – it has speed humps all the way down and it’s 20mph.
“It’s a narrow road, not wide.”
Ed said that the role of a lollipop lady suits her “very well” as she has a disabled son who she can work around.
He added: “She really enjoys it and it gives her real respite.
“It’s good for her mental health to go out and meet people.
“She’s very popular among the parents and children, so it will be sad to see her go.”
Rita, 57, relies on the flexible hours to care for her son, while her brother helps during her shifts.
“If she’s made redundant, she’ll have to claim benefits for her lack of salary,” Edward said, “I can’t see a cost benefit.”
Another long-time resident, Sarah Archer, who has lived on Honeywell Road for 30 years, said it would be a “real shame” to lose Rita.
She told Your Local Guardian: “She’s been there for many years and is part of the morning and afternoon routine for children going to and from various schools – not just Honeywell.
“It would be a real shame with whoever is making the decisions
“There’s a feeling that it’s a quiet residential road and there isn’t a need for a 24-hour crossing.
“Apart from school times, there’s no traffic and no pedestrians.
“Whereas Rita can control the traffic and make sure it’s safe.”
A Wandsworth Council spokesperson said: “The Honeywell School parent-teacher association has previously funded crossing patrols near the school; however, they have taken the decision that it is no longer viable to continue funding the crossing patrol.
“A new zebra crossing at the junction of Webb’s Road and Honeywell Road will not only improve safety for schoolchildren but will benefit the wider community.
“We’d like to thank Rita for her many years of service as the school’s lollipop lady.”
