Councillor duo volunteeer for the school patrol
Two county councillors are donning yellow jackets and volunteering to be school crossing patrollers.
Paul Irwin and Phil Gomm have had their half-day training from supervisor Georgina Longley, and are ready to help children across the county’s busy roads on their school journeys.
Paul (Waddesdon) and Phil (Bedgrove) said they were so concerned at the vacancies Buckinghamshire County Council has for lollipop patrollers that they stepped up to the kerb and offered their services.
Paul, who is Deputy Cabinet Member for Transport, said: ‘I think this is what you call putting our money where our mouth is!My concern is that we make sure the children in our county can cross roads safely on their school journeys.’
Across the county’s 55 patrol sites there are currently 10 patroller vacancies: four in Wycombe, and one each at Beaconsfield, Stoke Poges, Great Horwood, Buckinghamand Whitchurch. There is also a vacancy for a roaming relief patroller.
‘Our patrollers tell me how rewarding the job is, and how they love helping children get to and from school safely,’ said Paul. ‘I’ll welcome recruits for our vacancies with open arms. Meanwhile,Phil and I areavailable as volunteer relief patrollers.’
Phil has already been pressed into duty in his own electoral division. He was on reliefat the crossing in Bedgrove, Aylesbury,where the County Council has installed two patrollers for the time being to stop motorists driving through, endangering children on the crossing.
‘It’s a very busy road,’ said Phil, ‘and the thought of any one of our children being in danger from motorists who don’t stop just fills me with dread. I’m there to help make their school journey safer.’
- Call 01296 383432 if you’re interested in being a patroller.