Primary school crossing patrol to return after hundreds sign petition

Blackwood Primary School is set to finally have a lollipop person again after a petition to bring back the service was signed by more than 450 people.

The school formerly had a lollipop lady, but after she retired in January 2022, the council announced it would not be continuing the service.

Since then, Independent councillor for Blackwood, Kevin Etheridge, alongside concerned parents and the school itself, have been calling for the service to return.

Now, the council has changed its mind, announcing the site has ‘met criteria’ and that a search for a lollipop person to take-up the role has begun.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about the “brilliant news”, Cllr Etheridge said: “I’ve been lobbying constantly alongside parent and childminder Donna Jones to get this reinstated.

“It’s such a dangerous stretch of road at school times, and we’ve had far too many accidents and close calls.

“It got to the point where we threatened the council with a protest outside of the school. I’m glad they’ve seen sense and announced this.”

The school also thanked Cllr Etheridge for his “tireless effort”.