A CALL has gone out to find desperately-needed lollipop men and women for the valley.

One school, Stubbins Primary, has been without a school crossing patrol for weeks after Melanie Wing resigned from the post before the half-term holiday.

The Bolton Road North school is more in need than most, as cars and heavy vehicles use the road at all times of day to get access to the M66 motorway, and to enter Ramsbottom.

Councillor for Eden ward Darryl Smith said: "I am setting up a meeting with the school and county highways to discuss how to improve the road markings and signage outside the school. At present they're not very clear, and anyone who takes on the job will benefit from it.

"But in addressing this case with Lancashire County Council it became clear that there is a real shortage of crossing patrol staff across Rossendale."

Ken Speak, operations manager at the county council, said: "We are constantly on the lookout for new recruits for all of the county, but the situation in Rossendale has got to quite a desperate point, as we have no deputies at all.

"Deputies - or mobile relief patrol staff - stand in for the full-time patrol staff when they are off, or resign. There is a deputy at Stubbins but she is not well, and we have nobody else to call on."

A crossing in Bacup town centre, on the junction of Burnley Road and St James Square, has also been vacant for several weeks.

Mr Speak said: "We try our best to advertise the jobs, including taking flyers to schools, but we're struggling to get volunteers in the places we really need them.

"The job is very rewarding for community-minded people, keeping hundreds of local children safe.

"Anyone under the age of 74 can apply, as long as they are reasonably fit, with good eyesight and hearing, and ideally live the area."

The patrol hours at Stubbins are 8.30am-9am and 3.15pm-3.45pm, and travelling time is also paid.

Coun Smith said: "As a former Stubbins Primary pupil myself, finding a new lollipop person for the school is close to my heart, but protecting our children is a vital role in all areas, so I would urge anyone who can afford the time to get in touch."

If you can help, call Ken Speak on 01772 646810.