RECRUITING lollipop staff for road crossings near schools has been increasingly difficult with up to half-a-dozen vacancies in Barrow and Dalton.

We have taken a look through The Mail’s archives at stories behind the crossing patrols.

In November 1996 there were fears that crossing patrols would be axed outside several Barrow schools.

Under threat were Greengate Infant School, South Walney Infant School, South Walney Infant School and St Paul’s CE School.

Alan Thompson, who worked on the Ramsden Street junction, near Greengate Junior School, said: “People who do this job provide a very good service for parents.

“Any cuts could be potentially very dangerous.”

Alice Stead looked after the crossing to South Walney Infant School and in January 1996 won 200 teddy bears and toy animals for pupils through her skill on the grabber machine at the Palace bingo hall in Duke Street.

She marked her retirement after 11 years by presenting her winnings to the youngsters.