PARENTS have launched a campaign to bring back their crossing patrol outside a primary school after the council failed to replace a retired lollipop man.

Children from Montgomerie Primary School, in Rushbottom Lane, South Benfleet, have been left to make their own way across a busy road before and after school after the long-serving crossing patrol officer retired.

Melanie Fenlon, who has two children at the school, feels the road is too busy for them to be left without a replacement.

She said: “The last lollipop man left last week and the school told us that Essex County Council don’t have the money to replace him.

“The school has said that, as a solution, if someone wanted to volunteer, they would provide training, but it’s not really a parent’s responsibility to do that.”

While crossing patrols have been cut across the county, parents of Montgomerie Primary School feel there are exceptional circumstances.

Mrs Fenlon, 45, of Albert Road, added: “There’s a new school being built right behind so there’s constantly huge trucks and lorries going up and down the road.

“There’s also a lot of minibuses that park up outside Glenwood School for the disabled so there’s a lot of traffic.

“The council has made it clear they don’t have the resources but I think our school is in different circumstances because of the building work.

“Even if they could provide someone through to the end of the building work that would help.

“The school has offered a member of staff but apparently they wouldn’t be covered by insurance if a child got hurt.”

The community fears that without a crossing patrol to help children cross the road safely, pupils are being put at risk.

Sarah Gould, 44, of Glebelands, added: “It’s a very dangerous road. There’s a bend and a lot of heavy traffic, especially with the building work going on nearby.

“My child is in Year 5 and I’ve actually delayed letting him walk home alone because I think it’s too dangerous. We’re all really worried that a child is going to get hurt.”

Councillor Ray Gooding, responsible for education, said: “The previous crossing patrol officer retired very suddenly last Tuesday giving us no time to find a replacement. We are working with the school to resolve this issue as soon as possible.”

The council was unable to confirm whether the intention was to replace the former crossing patrol officer. The school was unavailable for comment.