WORRIED parents have been left fearing for the safety of their children as they cross a busy road to and from a Stourport school after they lost their lollipop man.

Wilden All Saints’ CE Primary School has been left without a school crossing patrol officer on the busy Wilden Lane since the start of the new school term, after the previous officer had his hours reduced over the summer and left the post.

Parents and school staff were left in the dark on whether he would be replaced at all, fearing their children could be seriously hurt or worse on the busy road outside the school.

But, a Worcestershire County Council spokesman has now confirmed that following a review of the area, they are looking to employ a new crossing guard for Wilden Lane and are advertising the vacancy on their website.

Melissa Cooper, whose 10-year-old attends the school, said: “Wilden Lane is a really busy road. People do drive very fast down there – and someone could get injured or killed.

“I wouldn’t let my children cross there without anyone.

“Neither the school or the parents were made aware that this was happening or had the potential to happen. The police have attended the school twice as a traffic calming, safer roads measure, but this is only a short term solution and a waste of resources which I am sure could be better spent elsewhere.”

Francesca Fishwick, Wilden headteacher, said: “We were shocked and disappointed to discover that we had no crossing patrol in place on Wilden Lane for the start of the new school year in September.

“The safety of our children and their families is very much being put at risk twice daily.

“We would implore the general public who use Wilden Lane to be extra vigilant, especially at school start and finish times and to keep their speed down.

“We would like to thank the local police for their assistance both on the road outside the school and for coming into school to educate the children further about road safety.”

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman added: “A review of the duty hours of this post was required and as a result the post became vacant in September.

“In line with normal procedures the post has been reassessed to confirm that it still meets criteria for a school crossing patrol.

“This has taken place and we can confirm that the site does meet the criteria for a patrol and is currently being advertised on the county council jobs page.

“The hours of the post are 8.30am to 9am and 2.50pm to 3.30pm. If anyone is interested in applying then please come forward as soon as possible.”