Sickness has struck down the School Crossing Patrol Officers at St Peters Primary School and I have received a number of emails from parents of pupils who are worried about road safety on the narrow lane outside the school which is busy with children and cars at drop off times in the morning and evening.
I've been in touch with the Leader of Essex County Council, Cllr David Finch, who has told me: "Discussion between Essex County Council and Mr Gunn, the Headteacher of St Peters Primary School, during the weeks since the start of term have taken place and I can confirm the school have very kindly offered to cover the crossings on a volunteer bases. We hope to be able to carry out the induction training very soon to enable the crossings to be covered during this period of sickness."
I visited St Peter's last week to meet its headteacher, Iain Gunn, who has temporarily donned the luminous jacket and picked up the lollipop stick to help his pupils get into school safely. This is a marvellous example of the St Peter's School community coming together to sort out a problem and keep their children safe. The regular school crossing patrol officers are much missed and I hope they make a good recovery in due course and can return to lollipop duties.