Lollipop Flying Squad Licks Problem

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Lollipop Flying Squad Licks Problem for School Crossing Patrols

A MOBILE team of 'Lollipop' people will soon be flying to the rescue of schools across the Bath & North East Somerset area, to ensure pupils can start and finish the day in safety.

The Council will be the first ex-Avon authority to set up such a 'flying squad' - in fact, it is believed to be the only authority in the country, apart from Wolverhampton and Cornwall, to have such a scheme.

Once in place, the 'squad' will allow the Council's Development and Environmental Services Directorate to provide immediate cover in short-term emergencies - for example, when the usual school crossing patrol officer is ill. When all the 'flying lollipops' are in place, there will be three fully-trained mobile patrols: initially, a team of three will cover Bath, another, Keynsham and a third, Norton/Radstock.

"This 'flying squad' is just part of a package of measures we're putting together to try to ensure community safety," explained Diana Barkes, School Crossing Co-ordinator. "We're also about to embark on a risk assessment study of traffic flow, weather conditions and other safety hazards at all our crossing sites, so we can minimise the risks to our patrols.''

The Council provides 54 crossings at 44 school sites, with vacancies currently at ten schools. "We're now recruiting for both our mobile patrol teams and for the regular crossing patrols," continued Diana Barkes. "We need community-spirited individuals, who are under 65 with a clean employment record. For the 'flying squads', people will need their own transport and phone - we will provide the rest including training, a uniform, lollipop stick, monthly retainer, hourly rate (covering travelling time to and from work) and mileage expenses. First and foremost, we're looking for people who understand that a 'rewarding' job isn't just about the money!"

While continuing to run a general recruitment campaign, the Council is urgently looking for School Crossing Patrols at two new sites - Twerton Junior School in Bath and Wellsway School in Keynsham. Recent traffic and pedestrian studies at both schools have highlighted an immediate need for safety patrols.

Further information is available from: Diana Barkes, School Crossing Patrol Co-ordinator, on (01225) 477165.

ends

Note to Editors: If you would also like further information about the traffic studies carried out at the Twerton Junior and Wellsway School sites, please contact Diana Barkes, in the first instance.

For further information, please contact Mark Fleming/Nadia Nuaimi, Press Office, Guildhall, Bath. Tel: (01225) 477414. Mob: (0370) 446726 (Urgent calls only)