A CRISIS in recruiting lollipop men and women has sparked fears for children's safety on Bolton's roads.

There are at least 17 vacancies at schools across the borough and teachers are having to stand in to ensure pupils get to class safely.

Bolton Council says it needs urgently to fill 10 vacancies and seven empty stand-by positions.

The staffing shortage has been blamed on the emergence of new 24 hour supermarkets that have opened around the town which offer flexible hours.

Susan Tinker, school crossing patrol supervisor, said: "People who normally apply for the job are young mums or grandparents but since the arrival of 24 hour supermarkets it has been impossible to recruit new lollipop staff.

"We are always desperate for new school crossing patrols and we really need to fill these positions to ensure the roads are safe."

There are 91 sites selected for school crossing patrols around Bolton with 81 lollipop men and women currently employed to help youngsters cross the road safely.

School crossing patrol staff are paid £5.76 per hour and work two hours a day at peak school times.

Staff can receive £5 a week bonus pay for covering all their shifts as well as £7.31 a week travel allowances. They also receive 52 weeks a year pay for only working 38 weeks.

Highfield Primary School Headteacher, Margaret Parrish, said: "We really need the position outside our school to be filled.

"I can't emphasise enough how important it is to ensure that children are safe on our roads."

The school is near Plodder Lane, Bradford Road and Highfield Road - all roads renowned as being congested and dangerous at rush hour times. Mrs Parrish added: "We have one lollipop lady at the moment who is doing a terrific job of covering both shifts but when there is no-one there the staff have had to walk to the roads with the children to ensure that they cross the roads safely.

Gladys Martin, aged 67, has been a lollipop lady for 31 years.

She said: "This job is a necessity and I have loved every minute of it because you get a lot of respect from the children and they are all really nice to me."

Cllr Barbara Ronson, leader of the Bolton Council said lollipop people play a vital role in the lives of children in the town.

"They build up a close relationship with the school and are part of the children's education.

To apply for one of the vacant posts, contact Susan Tinker call 01204 336466