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George kept his young charges on safe path

22/ 7/2008

A LOLLIPOP man is all set to hang up his stick and have a well-earned lie-in after reaching the retirement age.

George Scarlett, who turned 70 in June, has worked in Sandy Lane for six-and-a-half years and seen thousands of schoolchildren safely across the busy thoroughfare.

He said that a simple ‘good morning’ off one of the children makes his day.

A spokesman for the Road Safety Partnership said: "George is very highly valued in the community. We are very grateful for his service and we are sure he will be greatly missed."

Mr Scarlett, of Crowneast Street, Oakenrod, was manager for Jackson’s grocers in Heywood until he bought the business and ran it for 17 years. After that he worked for Asda until he retired to become a lollipop man.

Speaking of his love for the job, he said: "I love the children, I actually got a present off a young girl the other morning to say thank you. I’ve seen them grow up and it’s lovely to watch. It’s been good to get up in the morning and get out and do something. I was tired of being on my own and being around the children has been great. It’s an enjoyable job. The only bad part is the harsh winds in the morning, but you get used to the routine. I will miss it."

He always cycled to his workpoint, which is close to three schools, Meanwood, Caldershaw and Oulder Hill. He said: "There’s a lot of kids about, but I cope fairly easily."

The Road Safety Partnership, which organises school crossings, says it is looking for ‘a committed person’ to replace Mr Scarlett. They have also created five new posts in the area that need to be filled.

A new mobile patrol system to cover against sickness and absence has been introduced for people who are able to travel to different locations when required.