County’s lollipop people are melting away

Yet it’s a job that does not seem to have much appeal because despite the valiant efforts of Carmathenshire County Council transport officers there are 10 school sites across the county that could have schools crossing patrols officer vacancies.

 

The hours can vary between five or 15 hours a week depending on the school and the re-numeration reflectively from £30 to £100.

Loved by children and badly treated by some motorists, the job lot of a lollipop person can be hard to lick because such vacancies difficult to fill.

Carmarthenshire County Council is having difficulty replacing a schools crossing patrol officer in Pembrey. The lollipop person retiring was a much loved friend of children and parents and the community campaigned for a replacement.

But despite extensive advertising there was only one applicant and that one has not pursue the worthwhile career with the transport department.

CRB checks have to be made because the work is with children.

County executive member for transport services Cllr Phillip Hughes said: “The job lot of a schools patrol office can be a mixed bag. They can be showered with cards and presents from their charges at Christmas and celebrating when birthdays. But can get hooted at and get jeery’s thrown by impatient motorists who object to being held up by them on the road.

“They do a valuable and difficult job safeguarding the county’s children and parents attending schools at very busy times having to have their wits about them at all times.”

In the last two years Carmarthenshire has boasted the Kwikfit Insurance Lollipop Person of the year 2009 and 2010 with Barrie Glover from Whitland CP School and Miriam Jones from Penboyr.

Many of the lollipop persons engaged by the county have children at the schools their work, live nearby or actually work at the school. Barrie Glover works at Whitland as a lunch time supervisor and learning support assistant

Those interested in work as a School Crossing Patrol should contact Rhys John on 01267 228285.