Crossing patrols in Belfast may be axed

The board's General Purposes and Finance Committee voted for the move, which will save almost �300,000.

The board will cut 54 lunchtime patrols, 14 at post primary schools and 38 on roads where there is also a pelican crossing or traffic lights.

The decision will go to a full board meeting next Thursday for approval.

In recent weeks several members of the province's five education and library boards have resigned over cuts in services running to about �30m.

The Belfast board has a large deficit to pay off and, like the other four boards, is now having to cut back to stay in the black.

The vice-chairman of the board, Jim Rodgers, said children's safety would be compromised.

"It's absolutely horrendous what is going to happen here," he said.

"The safety of our children is of paramount importance - it's even more important than their education and I want to guard against decisions like this being taken."