A PETITION has been launched to reinstate a Llandeilo lollipop lady.

Carmarthenshire county council has axed the school crossing patrol officer for children of Llandeilo CP and Ysgol Teilo Sant on Rhosmaen Street.

The council has said the decision not to reinstate the lollipop lady at the pedestrian crossing at the start of term was due to a social distancing issue in line with Covid-19 safety measures.

But angry parents, who have launched an online petition, said the decision makes no sense and that children should be a priority when it comes to road safety.

Father-of-two Keri Lewis said that while he understands the potential of a Covid risk he questioned whether the council have exhausted all options.

He added: “I would like to know if there are further options available in terms of barriers, PPE and extra spacing at the crossing site.

"Rhosmaen street - a trunk road - is a very dangerous stretch with big haulage vehicles travelling through daily.

“It is a busy road and despite there being a crossing it still doesn’t feel safe.

"It would be good if the council could lend a bit more time to it and see if there was another way.”

Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “We have been able to maintain our school crossing patrols at the majority of our school sites, however, there are a couple of areas where due to the COVID-19 situation we have been unable to reinstate our school crossing patrol.

“The school crossing patrol must be able to maintain 2metres social distancing and unfortunately this is not possible at this location. Therefore in line with our COVID-19-related risk assessment and Safe Working Practice, we are unable to place the school crossing patrol at risk.

“There is a pedestrian controlled crossing outside the school which allows pupils to cross safely at this location.”