Aileen Campbell MSP met with concerned parents of pupils at St Mary’s Primary School, Lanark, who are worried by the decision to take away the Lollipop man from Smyllum Road.

Parents, Grandparents and children told Aileen they were fearful because the road is busy with cars often passing-by doing more than the ‘20’s plenty’ limit. In addition, and since the Lollipop man has gone, more cars are parking on the yellow ‘zig zags’ and impairing the vision of youngsters trying to cross the road. Some children drew pictures for Aileen to see to illustrate their concern and to campaign to get their lollipop man back.

Aileen Campbell MSP said:

"I completely understand why parents, grandparents and children are concerned about this crossing. When I went to see for myself what the situation was like, there were many cars using this narrow stretch of road, many cars parked on the road, restricting access further, and even more worryingly, cars parked on the yellow zig zag lines.

"Parents want to be reassured that their children can get to school safely and to not have to rely on cars to take them to school. By taking away the lollipop man sends out a message that is contrary to efforts to get children active by walking to school. Even more importantly is the potential safety risk for these youngsters – there may be a need for the council to have to deal with tight budgets, but safety must never be compromised.

"I will do all I can to help these concerned families in order that the pupils at St Mary’s can get to their school safely and without fear of harm."