 Some lollipop wardens claim they are being abused by children |
Councils across Devon and Cornwall are reporting a shortage of school crossing patrol wardens to help children cross the road. Devon County Council says almost 50% of the posts in Exeter are vacant.
In Cornwall there are 11 vacancies and Plymouth City Council says it has 14 posts which are unfilled.
Devon County Council has recently combined the post with other part-time school work such as cleaning and catering to encourage more applicants.
Parental responsibility
Other councils across the country are also having trouble in recruitment sufficient wardens to fill vacancies.
Worcestershire County Council claims the shortage of applicants is because of abuse being directed to lollipop wardens.
It says one of the problems reported by workers is school pupils knocking off the distinctive headgear of wardens.
A road safety spokesman for Cornwall Council says where there are no patrols, it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children's safety when crossing roads.
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