Ernie's School Crossing Patrol of the Year award -
22/12/06
The continuing high standards achieved by Vale of Glamorgan
Council school crossing patrols have again been recognised at an
annual awards ceremony.
Presenting the awards, Rob Thomas, the Council’s Head of
Planning and Transportation, thanked the ‘lollipop’ patrols for all
their hard work throughout the past year, and paid tribute to their
"enviable front line service," which he described as "second to
none.”
Mr Thomas highlighted the importance of the work carried out by
the school crossing patrol service, as well as the joys and
tribulations encountered on a daily basis by the officers. “Your
efforts are greatly appreciated and you are seriously missed when
absent," he said.
This year's overall winner was Ernie Ling, who operates on the
pedestrian crossing outside Cadoxton Primary School in Barry.
Senior road safety officer Mike Dacey said: "Mr Ling is a popular
and likeable patrol man who is greatly respected by pupils, parents
and all members of the school community. He is always happy and
cheerful despite working on a difficult, exposed crossing
point."
Area award winners were:
Llantwit Major, St Athan and Rhws – Lynne Hughes, who is in her
29th year of service and operates outside Eagleswell Primary School
in Llantwit.
Barry West – Kerrin Rosser, who crosses a variety of students
from Barry College as well as local primary schools on Barry
Road/Buttrills Road junction.
Barry East – Sandra Riggott, who crosses the children of Colcot
Primary School on Winston Road.
Penarth, Sully & Dinas Powys – Jean Hatter, a real surprise
for the mobile patrol officer who is based in Dinas Powys but has
to cover all sites within the Vale, very often at short notice.
The service was sad to say goodbye to two officers – Sarah
Jeffery (Llantwit Major) and Tom Cowling, mobile patrol officer –
in the past year but welcomed three new recruits, Joyce Williams
(St Athan), Tony Masters (Port Road, Barry) and Linda Williams
(Colcot Road, Barry) - who may themselves win one of the coveted
awards in the future.
If anyone is interested in becoming a school crossing patrol
officer, there are currently vacancies in Llantwit Major and
Cowbridge as well as a mobile patrol officer post, for which a full
driving licence is essential.
The rate of pay is £5.93 per hour, with a half pay retainer to
cover school holidays. Hours of work are generally 10 per week, but
15 for mobile officers.
For further information, please contact the Council Road Safety
Unit on (01446) 704775.