'Lollipop man carrying out valuable job'

FROM:- Cllr Kieran Corr.

Having read the article in last week's Lurgan Mail with regards to the roadworks going on throughout the borough I found myself agreeing with most of the comments made.

However, I have to take an exception with the comments made with regards to the lollipop man at Lismore Comprehensive.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

I have two sons who attend the school and I know the importance of the lollipop man who is situated at the front entrance. He does a valuable job in making sure that the pupils cross the road safely in the mornings and afternoon.

In recent years, recruitment of school crossing patrols has become a major problem and the number of school crossing patrols has decreased steadily. The result is that many locations are now without a lollipop person, meaning that children's lives are being put in danger while they make the journey from home to school and back again.

This cannot be said for the schools in central Craigavon. The lollipop control people throughout Craigavon all do a marvellous job and imagine what would happen if they did not have them, it would be utter chaos and would no doubt lead to more road accidents and perhaps the death of incident school children.

Existing school crossing patrols have described an increasing atmosphere of violence and intimidation as the reason for their declining numbers. Another issue is the fear of fast traffic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lollipop men and women are effectively risking their lives when they step into the road. By law, drivers must stop when a school crossing patrol shows a ‘Stop’ for children sign. However, some people ignore this law or intimidate or abuse school crossing patrols. Some examples of intimidating or abusive behaviour are: - Failing to stop - Driving around the patrol when they are in the road - Driving right up close to the patrol - Revving engines while patrol and children are in the road

I would appeal for more motorists to appreciate the job that the lollipop men and women do. In conclusion if people have to wait a minute or two for children to cross a road safely then that's what has to happen and if anyone who has a problem then they should avoid passing the local schools if they have no patience.

Do you have a view on school crossing patrols? Text us on 81800, remember to start you message LMCOMMENT. Texts cost 25p plus network rate.

Related topics: