The Leicester Mercury has launched a campaign to try and fill vacancies for lollipop ladies and men in the city.

Children in Leicestershire currently have to cross dangerous roads and junctions unattended on their way to school at more than 60 sites in the county.

The city and county urgently need people who can spare half an hour in the morning and afternoon to help children cross safely and if they pass a simple sight and hearing test, they could help.

The are currently 36 vacancies in the county and 27 vacancies in the city for school crossing patrols.

County Hall has sent out newsletters to parents and advertised for vacancies – but they say it is difficult to find people who can work for 30 minutes at the beginning and end of the school day.

Overdale Junior School, in Leicester, has tried in vain to fill vacancies for crossing patrols for roads near the school.

Head teacher Pam Weston said: “It’s extremely important that we fill these positions.

”We are very close to Welford Road, which is incredibly busy. One day it could be a matter of life and death.”

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