A Broughty Ferry lollipop lady has been told to move from her spot after 31 years.
School crossing patroller Freida, has helped Forthill Primary School pupils cross Balgillo Road at the Forthill Road junction for three decades but will now be re-deployed after traffic lights were installed.
The much-loved lollipop lady has been temporarily moved further along Balgillo Road but told not to use her stick or step on to the road, as this is deemed unsafe in conjunction with pedestrian crossings.
It is not yet known where her permanent new position will be but it is hoped she will be retained near the school over fears it is unsafe for children to cross unsupervised.
Broughty Ferry councillor Craig Duncan says he has received many concerns from residents regarding the new crossing, near the top of Forthill Road.
He understands Freida will be moved again in four weeks time, to a so-far unknown location.
Mr Duncan revealed on his Facebook page that he has contacted Tayside Contracts and Dundee City Council about Freida’s move.
“I am advised by Tayside Contracts that, under safety guidelines, it is not normally considered safe to have a school crossing patroller and lights operating together,” he said.
“I have suggested that a point be established to the west of Forthill Road – around Luke Place or Fintry Place.
“This will be to safely escort pupils over Forthill Road after they have used the new crossing on Balgillo Road.”
Broughty Ferry fears after school lollipop lady moved
He added: “In my view, it would make perfect sense to re-deploy Freida there provided she and her employers are agreeable of course.
“I hope a new school crossing patroller point will, after a survey has been carried out, be established.
“I don’t think it’s acceptable to expect young pupils to have to cross busy Forthill Road unsupervised.
“It would also be a very sad outcome if Freida was moved away from supporting the pupils of Forthill Primary School after so many years of loyal service.”
Traffic on Balgillo Road has been building in recent years due to hundreds of new houses being built at the nearby Balgillo Heights estate, which is in the catchment area for Forthill Primary School.
In a joint statement, Dundee City Council and Tayside Contracts said: “Dundee City Council’s fair work, economic growth and infrastructure committee in August last year approved the investigation of design possibilities for pedestrian facility improvements at the Balgillo Road junction with Forthill Road as part of a programme of road safety improvements.
“With works now completed, the council and Tayside Contracts are ensuring that pupils and families are aware of the new crossing.
“The school will be reinforcing safety messaging to classes, and we are asking families to support their children to travel safely to and from school.
“The location of school crossing patrollers across the city is assessed on a regular basis and takes account of local factors at each school location.”
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