Lollipop man backs search for new recruits
THE new school term was not just a return from holiday for children this week.
Portsmouth's 90 lollipop people pulled on their fluorescent clothing, picked up their 'Stop - Children' signs, and went back to work helping youngsters cross the roads in safety.
But 18 more are still needed to help pupils safely across the road.
Now 72-year-old Thomas James has joined the campaign to make sure the gaps are filled.
The pensioner spends his days helping Wimborne Junior School pupils at the junction of Winter Road, Wimborne Road and Liss Road.
He said: 'I'd definitely say people should join up and become lollipop people.
'It's a vital job, really rewarding, very sociable, and you're representing the council helping to keep people safe.'
The Suffolk Road resident signed up to become a lollipop man six years ago, after finishing his previous job at McMurdo, then in Cosham, and believes others should follow his lead - and The News campaign - to help Portsmouth City Council fill its vacancies for crossing staff.
He said: 'I've never regretted it. It's a lovely job, really good fun.
'It's so nice to be able to talk to the youngsters each day, as well as to their parents and all the other people who cross here regularly.
'And it's a job where you know you're doing something really useful. It's really a role I'd recommend to everyone, of any age. As long as you're physically fit, I'd say certainly give it a go. It's a sociable job with real responsibility. I hope people take notice of The News' campaign, because they'd enjoy it if they did.'
Across the city, some lollipop people have been moved to fill empty spaces.
But Portsmouth City Council has confirmed it would rather take on new recruits than move lollipop people.
WHERE COVER 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 George's Road /
High Street
Westover Infant: Westover Road
outside School
Westover Infant: Neville Road / Tangier Road
WHAT THE JOB INVOLVES
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
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Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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Wind direction: East
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