A COUNCIL has told parents they must take responsibility for their children's safety after complaints about a lack of school crossing wardens.

Parents in Darlington have been claiming for weeks that their children's lives are at risk because of the absence of crossing patrols on busy roads outside some schools.

But Darlington Borough Council said yesterday it did not have to provide crossing patrol wardens and urged parents to teach their children about road safety.

"It's not a statutory obligation that the council provide school crossing patrols, but Darlington council does," said a spokeswoman.

The council is having problems recruiting crossing patrol staff.

One recent appointee, Tina Bryson, 32, said she had been shocked by how many parents did not use her services.

"Parents need to be a bit more aware that we are not just here for a laugh," she said.

"Lots of parents do not hold their children's hands when they cross and don't look where they are going or wait for me. They need to be teaching their children how to cross safely," she said.

Mrs Bryson also said that many drivers failed to stop at her signal.

"I only started on Coniscliffe Road on Monday and I can't believe how many drivers just ignore me and carry on," she said.

But father-of two Geoffrey Bartch, 38, said yesterday he was worried about his children's safety when they cross Corporation Road, which has not had a school crossing patrol for weeks.

"I have a four-year-old and a seven-year-old and they need help crossing the road," he said.

"There is a nursery, as well as an infant and junior school there and lots of children who need to cross. It is an accident waiting to happen

"Children are in danger, but nothing is being done about it. Not all children go to school with their parents, and those that don't are in jeopardy."

The council spokeswoman said: "We are doing everything we can to try to find somebody to deal with the crossing at Corporation Road. If we get somebody available we will put them in there."