PRESS RELEASE ON CROSSING PATROL VACANCY

Councillors on Durham County Council are making a renewed effort to fill the role of village crossing patrol officer – a position that has stood vacant for more than 10 years.

The village of Witton Gilbert has been without a crossing patrol officer for more than a decade despite the job being advertised. A recent advert in the Parish newsletter has proved unsuccessful and Councillor Mark Wilkes is appealing for applicants to come forward.

Mark said, “We have arranged extended hours and the pay for less than ten hours a week is nearly £60. You even get half-pay during school holidays. This would make the perfect part-time job for someone.

“I have a petition from 1200 residents calling for a crossing, but this will take a long time to implement and cost upto £45,000. If we can find a crossing patrol officer, we can sort out the problem immediately.”

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Carol Woods commented “Children at Witton Gilbert Primary School currently have no safe means of crossing the busy Sacriston Lane and there have been some very close calls. The two local councillors Mark and Rev Crooks are working hard to find a solution and I certainly support their efforts to improve road safety.”

Councillor Rev Crooks added “After discussions with council officers, it is not clear that a permanent crossing would be possible, and so we desperately need someone to take on this job.”

“We have already worked with the police on community speedwatch on Sacriston Lane because of concerns over speeding, but trying to find a crossing patrol officer is proving a real difficulty.”

If anyone is interested in the position, they can contact Kelly Hailes at County Hall on 0191 383 6552 or email kelly-ann.hailes@durham.gov.uk