Timperley councillors promise lollipop lady (From Messenger Newspapers)

Timperley councillors promise lollipop lady

10:00am Thursday 27th September 2012 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

A TIMPERLEY grandmother is frustrated that a lollipop patrol operator is yet to be reinstated at a crossing on Shaftsbury Avenue, despite council assurances this would be done in time for children going back to school this September.

The woman, who did not wish to be named, labelled the situation ‘an accident waiting to happen.’

However, Liberal Democrat ward councillor, Ray Bowker, said this is due to Trafford Council’s difficulty in trying to fill the post, rather than a lack of commitment.

Cllr Bowker said: “A number of patrol operators have retired recently, in fact about six or seven have resigned so we’re recruiting all the time.”

He said that as the Shaftsbuty Avenue is a low density crossing area, with only 35 children using it a day, it has not been prioritised, but he has the assurance of the leader of the council that a lollipop lady or man will be put in place imminently.
 

A lollipop man was injured at the crossing in March 2011 and the crossing has since been redesigned to improve its safety, with the backing of all ward councillors.

Conservative ward councillor, Laura Evans, said: “I share the frustrations at the delay in getting the lollipop crossing reinstated.

“I championed the major upgrade at this junction in order to improve safety.
 

“It is essential we have this vital crossing manned and I will continue to press for this until it happens.”
 

Trafford Council released the following statement: "Trafford Council confirmed it is committed to ensuring children and young people can travel safety to and from school.

"For the past few months it has been working hard to recruit school crossing patrols to fill several vacant positions. 

"As soon as the new patrols are available, they will be allocated to locations with the priority being to provide patrols at the most vulnerable crossings.

"As the council always needs to ensure it has sufficient school crossing patrols, it is encouraging anyone interested and able to spare a couple of hours each morning and afternoon to apply."

To apply call 0161 912 4508 or visit trafford.gov.uk/jobs.