‘This is an accident waiting to happen’

Parents of children attending Tuxford Primary School protest over Notts County Council plans not to employ a lollipop lady when the present one retires shortly, Coun Shirley Isard is pictured far right (w130315-7a)

The current crossing patrol lady is due to retire at the end of this month but according to Notts County Council she will not be replaced.

The authority said it has reviewed the current situation and that the school no longer meets the ‘minimum requirements’.

But parents are outraged by the decision and said the lack of a dedicated lollipop lady is an accident waitingto happen.

Group spokesman and parent Karen Bates said the village was a frequent thoroughfare for vehicles using the A1.

“It’s the sheer volume of speed and traffic that is the problem,” she said.

“When you come out of school you can’t see if there’s any oncoming traffic before you cross because of cars parked on either side of the road.”

She added: “This will only get worse during the winter when it is dark or foggy, or if the sun is really bright.”

“We are not talking about grown-up children here but primary school children who need help crossing the road.”

Mrs Bates said the parents have been asked to carry out a traffic count and that they have spoken to local police officers to carry out speed checks in the area.

She said: “I think it’s wrong we have to wait six months before the situation is reviewed.”

“Having a lollipop lady is a preventative measure to help stop accidents happening.”