Search starts for new lollipop men and women
A CALL was made today for people to step up to solve a lollipop shortage in Portsmouth.
Almost a fifth of Portsmouth's lollipop crossing points are unstaffed, according to the city council.
Now residents who can spare the time to help children across the road are being urged to take one of the 18 vacancies up for grabs across the city.
Veteran lollipop man Colin Cromwell says it is an enjoyable job, and brings rewards such as working with the community and getting to know the kids and their families.
He said: 'We do a bit of good for society, looking after the children, keeping them safe.
'The parents rely on us to a certain extent.
'Parents have said they send their children down to us because they know they'll be safe.'
Mr Cromwell, of Fifth Avenue, Wymering, helps children cross the busy Southampton Road dual carriageway in Paulsgrove, and works between 8am and 9am, then between 3pm and 4pm.
He says it would be useful for any prospective lollipop man or woman to live close to the crossing they will patrol, so as to be part of the community.
He added: 'The children are very, very good.
'It's very enjoyable.'
Portsmouth City Council has been trying to fill these gaps by redeploying some lollipop patrols from sites where there is already a traffic light controlled crossing nearby.
But after an outcry from parents and children it has reversed this.
However the city council's transport boss, Cllr Jason Fazackarley, said the council may have to start redeploying people if 18 of the 108 lollipop sites aren't filled soon.
The council pays its lollipop men and women 7.43 per hour.
While the hours tend to be unsociable, the council says those who do it can get immense social pride from it.
He said: 'It's a strange job.
'People work only three hours per day, at inconvenient times, especially if you have another job to do, and it can be in horrible weather, too.
'It's one of the reasons we appreciate the people we have so much.
'But it's rewarding, as the youngsters really build a relationship with their lollipop person, so I hope people will come forward.
'We have the money to pay.
'It's a real priority.'
Lollipop man Mr Cromwell does warn anyone looking to do the job that while it is fun and rewarding they have to bear in mind the hours can be restrictive.
He said: 'It does mean that if you want to go out for the day you have to be back by 2.30pm.'
And he also says some drivers should be taught some patience.
'Most of them are well behaved, but some of them don't like to be held up.
Lollipop people will be part of the council's transport and street management group, and paid 7.43 per hour.
The positions are permanent but part-time, 10 hours a week in term-time only. All applicants get a full Criminal Records Bureau check.
All officers are responsible for the safety and control of children at crossings.
The council needs people who:
Take personal responsibility for operating in a healthy and safe manner.
Can attend and participate in training and/or development sessions.
Have good time-keeping.
Have good communication skills.
Can operate hazard warning lights.
To apply, visit: jobsatportsmouth.co.uk/job_details.aspx?jid=878 and complete the questionnaire at the bottom of the page.
E-mail it to recruitment@portsmouthcc.gov.uk, or contact the council's recruitment team on (023) 9283 4439.
Crossings where a lollipol patrol is needed
Cottage Grove: Cottage Grove / Somers Road
Court Lane: Dysart Avenue/Lower Drayton Lane
Court Lane: Tregaron Avenue / Dysart Avenue
Court Lane: Court Lane / Hilary Avenue
Devonshire Infant: Francis Avenue / Jessie Road
Devonshire Infant: Jubilee Road /
Devonshire Square
Highbury Primary: Chatsworth Avenue / Dovercourt Road
Langstone Infant: Milton Road / St Mary's Road
King Richard: Allaway Avenue
Meon Junior: Crofton Road / Meon Road
Meon Infant: Hollam Road / Meon Road
Meredith Infant: Chichester Road / Farlington Road
Newbridge Junior: Shearer Road /
Hampshire Street
Saxon Shore Infant: Jubilee Avenue / Portsdown Road
Somers Park Primary: Somers Road / Blackfriars Road
St Jude's Primary: St Georges Road /
High Street
Westover Infant: Westover Road
outside School
Westover Infant: Neville Road / Tangier Road But if you're reasonably fit and have got your wits about you, there's no reason why you shouldn't do it.'
COMMENT n PAGE 8
Campaign is now underway to fill the 18 vacant lollipop posts across Portsmouth
by EMMA JUDD
The News
emma.judd@thenews.co.uk
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North
