A STAFFING crisis has left more than half the school crossings in a town without safety patrols and unemployed people are set to be tasked to take on the vacancies.

Of the 13 school crossing patrols in Barrow, seven are without officers, also known as lollipop men and women.  

Now, in a bid to fill the vacant posts – and boost child safety – jobseekers are to be encouraged to take up the empty positions. 

County council chiefs have agreed to work with schools and job centres as they try to fill the positions. 


The Nan Tait Centre in Barrow The move was approved at the Cumbria County Council local committee meeting for Barrow at the Nan Tait Centre yesterday.

 Members agreed that child safety around schools is of paramount importance and that these roles are vital in maintaining safety. 

Cher Neale, 34, is a member of the school crossing patrol outside St Paul’s Junior School in Hawcoat Lane, Barrow. She said: “Our road is very busy, I think it is very important for all schools to have one (school patrol) about. 

“The kids always make you laugh and they are all very friendly. They make you happy and make you smile in the morning.”

 At yesterday’s meeting, Councillor Anne Burns, for Hindpool, said: “I just wish somebody would come forward to do this job. It is important for children’s safety.

 “I just think if we don’t fill these vacancies we lose money and it goes out of our area.” 

An agreement is in place with Barrow Local Committee for school crossing patrols for 2016/17 with Orian Solutions Ltd. 

The agreement involves Orian Solutions providing salaries and employment costs, as well as providing training, uniforms, equipment and customer care. Each of the vacant posts offers £14.76 per hour, with weekly hours between five and seven and a half. Members agreed a motion to begin working with the heads of local schools and with job centres to fill these positions.

 The Barrow Local Committee also approved the injection of £30,886 to the school crossing patrols from the local committee base budget.

 Councillor Ernie Wilson, for Dalton South, said: “My wife used to be part of crossing patrol a number of years ago.

 “I know from personal experience that this is an incredibly rewarding job. She absolutely loved it. I think we need to get that message across. 

“If people are concerned about the safety aspects, that is a very positive message that we have to get out there.”