When Atherton needed a superhero, local lady Valerie Eckersley was first in the queue. And now it’s her job to look after hundreds of children and their parents on Flapper Fold Road as the town’s newest school crossing patrol.
“It’s lovely to get involved and help everyone,” says Val. “I’ve been made to feel very welcome and really enjoy meeting the youngsters and doing my bit.”
Val is Atherton born and bred and is really settling in as a regular figure in the children’s day. Her first day was also the start of the new term for local schools.
The council’s road safety team has worked hard to ensure the crossing point was covered as the schools went back and children were faced with crossing a busy stretch of road.
Area road safety assistant Michelle Owen says: “We’ve had a lot of concern expressed from residents and community leaders about the children’s safety. I’d like to thank everyone, and Valerie in particular, for their support.”
To make sure they had the right locations for the patrol the road safety team first had to complete a traffic survey. Once the Flapper Fold Lane crossing point was agreed, Val successfully applied for the position.
“But demand can outstrip supply,” adds Michelle. “We are desperately short of people to be patrols. There are more crossings we would like to cover if we could. Volunteers like Val are so valuable to us and the children.”
Although the council is not legally obliged to provide any patrols, road safety experts in Wigan recognise the value of lollipop men and women in the community. A recent high profile recruitment campaign for ‘Superheroes’ in the community brought in several new people, but more are still needed at locations across the borough.
- Michelle and the council’s road safety team would like to hear from anyone able to join the paid crossing patrol service. For more information call 01942 488250.
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Notes to Editors
For more information contact Wigan Council Engineering Services Information Assistant John Rowbotham on 01942 404369.
