Call for more lollipop volunteers
Lollipop ladies have long been a well-loved feature on Britain's streets – but they could soon be a dying breed in Shropshire if more people do not step up to keep the roads safe for the county's children.
Lollipop ladies have long been a well-loved feature on Britain's streets – but they could soon be a dying breed in Shropshire if more people do not step up to keep the roads safe for the county's children.
Throughout Shropshire there are unmanned school crossings – with some sites left empty for nearly two years. There are only two full-time lollipop ladies in the county – in Sandpits Road, Ludlow, and Station Road, Whitchurch.
There are also two standby helpers at Ludlow and Mount Pleasant Road, Shrewsbury.
But there are spaces for another four full-time posts at Mount Pleasant Road, Shrewsbury, Gobowen, Baschurch and Wem and a number of standby jobs too.
Steve Chadwick, Shropshire County Council's senior road safety officer, today said lollipop ladies, known officially as school crossing patrol officers, played a vital role in the community.
But he said the post in Wem had been empty for two years and Gobowen for 18 months.
He said: "We used to have more patrol officers but some have moved into permanent crossings such as pelican or zebra crossings.
"It is extremely difficult to recruit. It's someone who has time in the morning and the afternoon and it can be difficult for people to give that sort of time every day.
"It is a special sort of person to go out in all weathers.
"Parents really appreciate having a lollipop lady."
Mr Chadwick said there used to be eight lollipop sites across the county but one in Copthorne, Shrewsbury, was turned into a pedestrian crossing and one in Morda became a zebra crossing.
He also said there had never been a lollipop lady at Baschurch – even though the community asked for one and the site fitted the criteria.
Margaret Bowen, 65, is Shropshire's longest serving lollipop lady and has been in the post since 1996.
She said: "You get plenty of fresh air and exercise and you meet all the children and they are lovely.
"They all say hello every morning and they bring presents at Christmas time. It is pretty good but of course, you get people parking on the zig-zag lines, which is a bit difficult."
For more details on becoming a lollipop lady or man call (01743) 254961.
By Rebecca Lawrence
