THE future of Hartlepool’s school crossing patrols and lifeguard service have been secured for the next two years after the local authority ruled out axing the services.

Hartlepool Borough Council was considering cutting the two services as it looked to make £14m worth of cuts over the next two years in an attempt balance its books.

The withdrawal of summer lifeguards, covering Seaton Carew and the Headland, could have saved the Council £75,000, while around £120,000 would also have been saved by removing school crossing patrols across the town.

However, recently these proposals were not supported by the local authority’s neighbourhood services policy committee and were referred to this week’s finance and policy committee.

At a meeting today (Monday, September 15), the committee approved the views and comments expressed by the authority’s neighbourhood services policy committee about lifeguards and crossing patrols being safeguarded using budget reserves.

Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, leader of Hartlepool Council, said: “I have been working hard with the Council’s Corporate Management Team to safeguard school crossing patrols and the lifeguard service - important services upon which many residents rely. “Budget setting is an extremely complex procedure and I am delighted we have been able to safeguard these vital services for the next two years. I believe the solution presented on Monday fulfils the commitment given under the new governance arrangements, whereby the Council will make decisions that resonate with public expectations.”

The lifeguard service was reinstated across the borough following the death of eight-year-old Jordan Moon in August 2003.

The youngster was swept away by a wave as he played in the sea at nearby Seaton Carew.