Lollipop man retirement decision reversed

A decision to ask a Lollipop man to retire has been reversed.

Les Wallwork, 69, the Lollipop Man at Smithy Bridge Primary School was due to retire next Spring in accordance with Rochdale Borough Council’s Highways Service’s guidelines dating back many years.

Impact Partnership, who manage the service on behalf of the council, has reviewed the policy that required staff to retire at 70 and removed the upper age limit.

Tony Lees, Team Leader for Road Safety, said: “We have looked at our current policy and taken into account the Government’s recent announcement that they are considering removal of the retirement age, allowing people to work beyond the age of 65.

“Les has been the School Crossing Patrol at Smithy Bridge for nearly two years and is much liked by the children. We are very happy that he can now continue in his post.”

On hearing the news, Mr Wallwork described the decision as “absolutely fantastic; he said: “I’m over the moon.”

To ensure the safety of children, parents and staff at school crossings, the crossing point itself and each Patrol undergo a risk assessment.

If it was thought that there was a health condition preventing a Patrol from operating safely, then a medical examination would be carried out through the council’s Occupational Health Service.

This applies to any member of staff, and not just those who are over the age of 65. Staff are also expected to declare any known medical conditions.