WORRIED mums have become emergency "lollipop ladies" to help their children across a busy road.

They have taken the drastic action after a lollipop man at SS Simon and Jude School, Farnworth, retired and Bolton Council could not find a replacement.

The angry parents are now standing in - and facing a torrent of verbal abuse from drivers.

But Bolton Council highways chief Mr Dave Sutton has condemned the action of the mothers, although he said their motives were "understandable."

He said: "The situation has arisen because we are unable to find a replacement. Unfortunately we have to retire people at 65 and because of a shortage in people wanting the job, we have yet to fill it."

He added: "Mothers should not try and take the place of a lollipop person because without training and proper identifiable clothing, the situation may be made worse."

But angry mum, Carol Norris, of Westbourne Avenue, hit back saying that the Newport Road primary school was in a very busy area for traffic - including ambulances racing to nearby Bolton General Hospital.

"It's only a matter of time before a child is injured. One mum was forced to stand in the middle of the road herself to get the children across but cars refused to stop and began swerving around her!

"We have written to the council but nothing has happened so far," Mrs Norris added.

Anyone interested in applying for the job should contact Mr Cedric Evans on 01204 522311 ext 4045.

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