Worried parents have launched an on-line petition after being told their lollipop lady is to be moved.

They now fear children's lives will be at risk if there is nobody to help them cross a busy road.

For 14 years, a school crossing patroller has helped children cross Maryhill Road at Dunard Street but this week she learned she is to be moved to a new location.

Parents say she was told by her bosses at Cordia that the crossing was no longer a priority.

Mum Heather Robb set up a petition on Facebook and within hours had 320 supporters.

The lollipop lady, who is known to parents as Pauline, helps children getting to and from Dunard Primary, Dunard Nursery and St Charles Primary schools.

Ms Robb said: "My eight-year-old daughter attends Dunard primary and we use this crossing every day so I know how busy it gets.

"I have witnessed cars go through the red light while Pauline is walking to the middle of the road.

"If the cars don't stop when they see her going out what hope do the kids have on their own?

"I think there will be an accident if the crossing isn't patrolled as people are in too much of a rush in the mornings.

"Some of the older kids have tried to run across before the green man comes on and Pauline stops them. If she isn't there then it could be a car that stops them next time.

"She has been there for 14 years helping keep our kids safe and it is an absolute disgrace that Cordia don't think this crossing is a priority anymore."

"Let's not get another petition set up after a child has been knocked down because Cordia don't think the road is a priority."

Mum of five Nicola McLaren has also raised her concerns on the online site.

She said: "I have five kids who all use this crossing and we only feel safe when Pauline is at the crossing as she stays on the road until every child is safely on the pavement.

"Maryhill Road is always busy with cars who are always in a hurry, even running through the lights while children are still on the road.

"Please give us Pauline back. We need her before one of our children is killed."

And Amanda Cross posted: "The traffic has more than doubled over time. It is a main road and so dangerous. Kids' lives are at stake."

A council spokeswoman insisted the patroller would only be moved on a temporary basis.

She said: "When we have staff shortages at high priority crossing there is sometimes a need to relocate other patrollers to cover short term.

"The patroller was told this may happen if the need arises - she has not been told she will be moved permanently.

"The crossing the patroller is responsible for is deemed low priority as there is a green man crossing the parents and children can use. "

The council wants to recruit more patrollers and anyone interested should visit http://www.cordia.co.uk/Our-Services/Faclities-Management/Schools/School-Crossing-Patrol