Lollipop man has road problem licked

NEW lollipop man Ben Travis with pupils (from the left) Chelsy Lewis, Matthew Lait, Charlotte Micklethwaite, Alice Griffiths and James Fish

A STORM over road safety outside a Saddleworth school has abated with the appointment of a lollipop man.

Angry parents threatened to stage a protest outside Delph Primary School, Denshaw Road, unless Oldham Council agreed to bring in a 20mph zone.

Later, parish councillor Ken Hulme threatened to blockade the busy road to protect children from speeding traffic.

He said: “Our children are in danger from speeding motorists. I am perfectly willing to sit in the road to make the point that something must be done. And I know other parents would join me.

“We were promised a safety zone would be in place by last year but nothing happened.”

However, safety measures are now coming on apace following the appointment of Ben Travis as lollipop man.

Oldham’s highways and engineering director, Tony Noblet, has promised Delph Community Association that a safety zone, including a 20mph sector, will be installed as soon as possible.

And consultation document for parents and residents will be sent out later this month.

A school spokeswoman said: “There has already been a great improvement in road safety.

“Parents have come in to say how pleased they are with the new arrangement.”

Councillor Hulme said: “I was delighted to see a new and very smart lollipop man outside Delph School.

“At long last things seem to be moving. I may not have to join parents and residents sitting in the road outside the school after all.”