TOWN Hall chiefs who pensioned off a lollipop gran say they are up to the job - even though they are over 70.

There was uproar when Mary Morales was forced to retire at 70 from her school crossing patrol post at Horwich Parish Primary School.

Mrs Morales had worked at the school for 25 years and for three years previously at another school. But many councillors are aged over 70 and the oldest is 82!

Council leader Cllr Bob Howarth celebrated his 70th birthday last year. The oldest, Cllr Campbell Benjamin, is not standing for re-election in May, but many others are over 70.

Cllr Jack Foster, aged 70, is chairman of the planning and environment committee which is in charge of lollipop ladies.

He said: "There is a difference in jobs between a councillor and a school crossing patrol.

"I don't have to guide children across a road where it is important to be nimble on your feet and be quick enough to stop a child getting into danger."

"There has to be a cut off point and I think that 70 is right."

The Deputy Mayor, Blackrod Cllr Eric Johnson, is 76 but he believes he will be able to carry on as a councillor for a few more years.

He said: "I am getting older, but it has not yet affected my ability to think and make decisions. If it did, then I would retire.

"But physically, you do slow down and a lollipop lady often has to react quickly if a child is in danger.

"We would certainly be criticised if we allowed someone to carry on and then a child was hurt in an accident."

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