pupils' plea for their own lollipop person

The pupils of Pebsham CP school are asking for help '“ their lollipop lady left last Friday, and there has been nobody to lead them across the busy traffic near Glyne Gap roundabout.

Headteacher Pat Strickson said: "We have been trying so hard to find someone, asking parents, grandparents and friends, but nobody has come forward. In desperation we have been wondering where we can get help."

She is making an appeal to anyone who might be able to take up the job of lollipop patrol.

"Pebsham is lovely, we have lovely children, and we want to keep them safe. It is a constant worry. Quite a few of our children cross the road with their parents, but some of the older children crosson their own. If there is no patrol there, it is very difficult."

Pat has spoken with David Bradley, the county officer in charge of school crossing patrols across East Sussex, and has been told there is a shortage across the region.

Full training will be given to whomever takes on the job. Hours are roughly 8.30-9.00am and 3-3.30pm school days.

Pat added;" I have no jurisdiction on the road. You have to be trained properly and have all the safety regulations, and know how to deal with the traffic. Apparently I am not allowed to do that - I cannot go, or send my staff.

"The children have done posters and talked about road safety - we have to because the roads are so busy.

"We need someone who likes children - a happy person really who likes looking after children, a people person. You have to be firm and have presence - it is an important job. But the person would be part of the school community; although they would be employed by county, we would feel they are our lollipop person."

For further details, please contact the Pebsham school on 215175.