REDUCED school crossing patrols will take effect when Helensburgh’s schools return this Monday, October 24, after the mid-term break.

As reported in the Advertiser last month, two-thirds of the area’s ‘lollipop men’ – and ladies – accepted offers of voluntary redundancy as part of a package of council service cuts.

There will no longer be patrols at three controlled crossings on the A814 – at Reay Avenue in Cardross, on the dual carriageway at Colgrain, and at the junction of Main Road and Manse Road in Rhu.

Lunchtime patrols will be withdrawn at a further 14 crossing points.

New permanent staff will be needed at eight locations in Helensburgh – at Craigendoran Bridge, Henry Bell Street/East King Street, East King Street/Old Luss Road (two patrollers), Old Luss Road/South King Street, Redgauntlet Road/School Road, East Argyle Street/Grant Stret and Sinclair Street/Argyle Street.

A new patroller is also being sought for the crossing in Rosneath, at the junction of the B833 and Ferry Road.

Reduced patrols, in the mornings and afternoons only, will be provided from Monday at Hardy Hill/Winston Road, Fisher Place/Winston Road, Ben Bouie Drive/Old Luss Road , and Abercromby Street/Easterhill Road.

Morning and afternoon patrols will also continue in Garelochhead, at the junction of Feorlin Way and Queen's Crescent.

Locations where there is no lunchtime patrol at present will be unaffected.

Recruitment is under way for 17 patrollers' posts across Argyll and Bute.