Labour Councillor Nigel Knowles who represents Franche and Habberley North Ward is calling for Worcestershire County Council to fill the vacancies of School Crossing Patrols in Wyre Forest. A vacancy has existed for over a year at the junction of Manor Avenue and Habberley Road and is putting children’s safety at risk. There are other vacancies across the district and these should be filled immediately.

Councillor Knowles stated “it is dangerous and unforgiveable for the Conservatives to turn a blind eye to this fundamental issue of road safety for our children. These roads have been considered dangerous enough to warrant Patrol Crossing personnel in attendance with flashing lights to warn drivers, but they remain un-patrolled.

The adverts for these posts are buried on the WCC website and should be advertised in local newspapers where they can be seen by potential applicants. The very nature of these part-time posts may not reach people who do not have a computer.  No wonder no one applies for them, because they don’t know about them!  The wages of School Crossing Patrol personnel are also too low and should be increased to make it attractive to potential applicants.

The Conservatives have called a moratorium for filling vacancies under a spurious review of the service, which has been going on for two years and I am told will start again after the County Council elections in May this year!

In my opinion this is aimed at NOT FILLING the vacancies to save money and is a CUT to a public service.

It is NOT acceptable for parents pushing prams and escorting young children to have to stand in the middle of the road to stop traffic when they want to cross a busy road.

In 2016, with WCC’s permission I delivered 300 leaflets advertising the Habberley Road vacancy to surrounding areas. There is far more traffic on the roads and Conservatives should change their policy of “Vacancies are Acceptable” and do something positive to fill vacancies. We all have a vested interest in keeping our children safe and ensuring Road Safety is our Priority”.

Worcestershire School Crossing Patrol vacancies can be found here – https://www.wmjobs.co.uk/job/9817/school-crossing-patrol/

Further news here – http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/regional/worcestershire/kidderminster/15084265.Fears_over_lack_of_Wyre_Forest_lollipop_men_and_women/