A BUSY road has its own crossing patrol once again after a gap of more than four years.

There has been no-one to help youngsters across the junction of Geneva Road and Fenby Avenue, in Darlington, since the last crossing patrol retired more than four years.

But resident Tracey Freeman, who lives nearby in Geneva Crescent, has now stepped up to the role and will be on hand to make sure children get to school safely.

The hairdresser of 35 years said: "I can’t wait to meet all of the children and their parents, and to help everyone cross the road.

"I love the uniform, I love the community, and I feel dead excited. It’s like I’ve won the lottery.

"I don’t mind the rain, the sunshine, all weathers - and it’s ideal because I only live around the corner.”

Mum-of-four Chloe Hull said: “I am happy to see the safe crossing place is back and a lot of other parents are too. Thanks to Tracey for stepping up to help us.

"She has a warm and friendly nature and is the ideal person for the job.”

Cllr Kevin Nicholson, cabinet member for health and housing, said: “I am really pleased that the school crossing patrol has been reinstated and will be able to support schools to help protect the safety of children and their parents.

"Children have been crossing at different places up and down the road so I am glad we are now able to direct people to the safer crossing place.

“This job means venturing out in all weathers and dealing with a range of people. It is a fulfilling and valuable role in the community and appreciated by children, parents and schools. Patrols speak very warmly about their work. I want to welcome Tracey and wish her well in her new role.”

The council would like more people to join its crossing patrol staff and also wants to increase the number of children walking to school.

Cllr Nicholson said: “Studies have shown that children who walk to school with carers develop better road safety skills than those who are driven.

"That means that when they travel to school and elsewhere independently as teenagers they will be better able to keep themselves safe. I hope this encourages more children and parents to walk to school.”

School crossing patrols have a legal authority to stop traffic using a highway code stop sign. Disobeying the patrol’s sign can mean three points on a driver’s licence and a fine of up to £1,000.

The patrol concept gained ground in the late 1940s and 'lollipop people' became a friendly and familiar sight across the UK. The round lollipop sign was introduced in the 1960s and the uniform changed to the familiar yellow coat in 1974.

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