THE pupils of St Martin's school at Liskeard are being foiled in their efforts to take part in a walking bus scheme – because no lollipop lady, or man, has come forward to cover their crossing at Plymouth Road.
Enough parents have volunteered to help organise a 'walking bus', in which pupils walk to school together, but the absence of a crossing patrol has meant the project cannot reach fruition.
The scheme is intended to cut down on the need for cars to be used on short trips, and give parents the added security of knowing their child is safe on the road. Heather Stripp, the school crossing patrol co-ordinator for East Cornwall, has advertised regularly to find someone to fill the post as lollipop person at Plymouth Road, but so far has had no success.
She said: 'So many schools in Cornwall ask for a crossing patrol, and some of them do not meet the national criteria set for crossings, but this particular site does meet the national guidelines, and it is a natural crossing place for the children who attend St Martin's school. It is very frustrating.'
She added: 'The site is on Plymouth Road, near the junction with Trevanion Road. It is approximately eight hours per week, at £4.77 per hour. As there is no working during school holidays a retainer is paid, and full uniform and training supplied. Times will be around three quarters of an hour in the morning, and the same in the afternoon. The patrol gets continuous support and back-up from myself, and I will ensure that the person who gets the job is trained properly.'
Anyone interested in the post, should contact Heather on 01872 327886.