Warwickshire County Council’s road safety unit is on the hunt for some new recruits to help to provide much-needed relief when any of the crossing patrols are off sick or unable to do the job for another reason.

To raise awareness of the need for extra help, Coun Martin Heatley paid a visit to St John’s School in Mortimer Road, Kenilworth, to meet with a school crossing patrol to discuss the recruitment issues.

At the moment there are six crossing patrols in total that work outside Kenilworth schools, helping youngsters get to school safely every day of the school year.

However, if one of them is off sick then a relief school crossing is called to step in at their site and take over the duties.

Bonny Landsborough, school crossing patrol supervisor, said: “Relief school crossing patrols are as important as permanent patrols, unfortunately we have a severe shortage of people on our books at the moment. We are therefore appealing to the people of Kenilworth to think about whether they can spare just a few hours a week to become a relief patrol. Rates of pay are £6.57 an hour plus mileage.”

Full training and a uniform will be provided to the successful candidates.

Stan Milewski, senior road safety officer said: “School crossing patrols offer a vital service for youngsters and parents and children come to rely on them. If the permanent patrols are off sick, then we need to take every precaution we can to ensure they are still safe.

“So, if you know of anyone who might be interested, please ask them to contact us as soon as possible.”

Anyone in Kenilworth interested in joining but would like further information or have an informal chat about becoming a relief school crossing patrol, should contact Bonny Landsborough on 412661.