Saying Thanks to School Crossing Patrol Staff

It was a real pleasure last week to welcome school crossing patrol staff to the Mayor's Parlour to mark the fact that 2013 is the Diamond Jubilee of the School Crossing Patrol in Britain.

School crossing patrol staff are of course more commonly known as lollipop ladies/men, but whatever you call them, one thing that is certain is that they are unsung stalwarts of local public service.I have spent mornings out with school crossing patrol staff, so I know very well how dedicated they are to the crucial task of helping children stay safe, and have seen first hand the friendly and professional way in which they go about their job,

In Bedford Borough we have 21 school crossing patrol staff, with the longest-serving member of the team, Joan Loft, having a truly remarkable 39 years of service behind her.

I was thrilled to be able to present Joan and all of her colleagues with commemorative certificates and badges to recognise their efforts and the work they do day in, day out on behalf of children and families across the Borough. Whatever the weather, school crossing patrol staff are out there helping children stay safe on often very busy roads, stepping out in front of traffic and keeping the attention of the children to ensure they cross safely. All recognition of the vital role they carry out is well-deserved, and I'm glad I was able to say 'thank you' in this way last week.