REDBRIDGE residents are against the council getting rid of school crossing patrols.

The measure is being looked at as part of a whole raft of options the authority is considering in a bid to save £4 million this year.

Most of the spending reduction is likely to be in admin and back office operations.

Ian Bond, deputy leader of the council, told the Guardian yesterday that front line services are unlikely to bear the brunt of the impact and redundancies at the council are not likely until next year when the authority will look to save around £20 million.

Yesterday residents in the borough had their say on where money could be saved.

John Brown, 87, of St Albans Road, Woodford Green, said: "They should stop giving money away easily. It seems like far too much money is given away cheaply to immigrants.

"Also, people who are generally unemployed then fair enough but they should get three chances at taking a job and if they don't then maybe benefits should be stopped or cut back.

"There are far too many admin costs so cutting back some of that has to be a good idea.

"If lollipop ladies were got rid of that would be completely out of order as the roads are dangerous and we are talking safety there."

Anne Hill, 74, of Chigwell Road, South Woodford, said: "Lollipop ladies and men are really good and they go out into the road every time making sure the children are safe.

"They should get rid of half of the councillors that are there."

Michelle Thompson, 28, of Tavistiock Road, South Woodford, said: "Lollipop ladies should stay. People don't stop to let you cross the road."

Steve Douglas, 47, of Rayne Court, South Woodford, said: "Immigrants should be vetted better so only those that deserve money can claim.

"It's ridiculous if arounf half a million is being spent on supplies and equipment in social services, that could be cut.

"It's good the council will be asking residents but only if they listen. And how many people will have the time to go to the council and put forward an opinion?"

Lana Dunne, 59, of Overton Drive, Wanstead, said: "I was about to say I wouldn't miss lollipop ladies or public toilets if they were to close as I don't really use either.

"But they are fundamental to the community. Public toilets are important to older people and children and strangers coming to the area.

"It's a shame that cuts will have to be made but the money will need to be found somewhere.

"I think the council does some silly things. I like the free paper but they could put out the odd notice or cut the free paper right down in size.

"They constantly send me booklets about walks just because I queried once and sometimes I get sent things twice or things I don't want."

Lesley Powles, 58, of Fitzgerald Road, Wanstead, said: "Maybe the council needs to be streamlined but not at the expense of democracy.

"I have spoken in the past at area committee meetings but you don't seem to be listened to.

"The area meetings are good for democracy but if they are not helping residents then maybe they are a waste of money.

"The council should keep lollipop people as they help with safety and I'm all for that.

"Cutting back on admin is a good thing as there's too much bureaucracy in councils."