COUNTY Hall bosses are urging prospective lollipop men and women to get in touch with them in a bid to avoid a repeat of last year's crisis.

Lancashire County Council was left with a shortage of people to patrol school crossings when police handed over control of the service.

And some busy road crossings outside Lancashire's schools were left without patrols because of the crisis.

A public appeal helped to ease the situation but officials are hoping to avoid a repeat of the shortage.

Lancashire's highways and transportation chairman Richard Toon said: "We had an overwhelming response by people from all over Lancashire to last year's plea for recruits. "We are again calling for more people to fill vacancies immediately or be available to provide cover in areas where shortages arise."

He added: "This is an important service which benefits parents and children throughout Lancashire and relies on people with the time and energy to help their local community.

"I am positive the people of Lancashire will answer our call for help and children, who are very vulnerable when it comes to road safety, will be given safe school crossing posts."

There are vacancies for lollipop men and women in Blackburn, Billington and Helmshore.

Deputy patrols are needed to provide cover in Blackburn, Darwen and Accrington.

Anyone wanting to join the school crossing patrol service can contact their local job centre or ring 01772 628732.

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