Bishop’s Stortford ‘lollipop man’ Tony Claxton helps mark 70th anniversary of the school crossing patrol in Hertfordshire
Bishop’s Stortford ‘lollipop man’ Tony Claxton has become something of a local celebrity marking the 70th anniversary of crossing patrols in Hertfordshire.
Tony, 69, who took up the role upon retirement, sees pupils and parents at Northgate Primary School safely across Cricketfield Lane each morning and afternoon – and says the job saved him from feeling “useless”.
He previously had several jobs, including as a driver, office worker and as an editorial clerk on Melody Maker magazine in the 1970s where he helped to compile the pop charts and met the likes of David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Robert Plant and Steve Harley.
But it is his latest role that is being celebrated as Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) commemorates 70 years since patrols were introduced outside its schools. And Tony has been interviewed on ITV Anglia news promoting his job and encouraging others to sign up with the aim of encouraging more children to walk to school.
He is a familiar face in town, with even past pupils and parents often giving him a ‘hello’ across the street. He originally began the job at Thorley Hill Primary and, having moved to Northgate, now also works as a lunchtime supervisor.
“If you’d said to me years ago ‘you will be a lollipop man’, I would have just laughed. It wasn’t in my thoughts at all, but it’s great and I love it!” said Tony, who lives off Rye Street.
“I like feeling part of the community, as though I’m doing something useful. When I retired, I felt useless actually because you work your whole life and then suddenly I felt as though I had no purpose or that I wasn’t contributing.
“But I’ve got to know lots of people and it’s a good feeling to be part of the community again, and it’s a great job to be doing, especially for retired people – it’s ideal. It gives you a sense of purpose, that discipline of going to work, doing something useful and getting children across the road safely, which is the most important thing.”
All serving Hertfordshire patrols have been presented with a 70-year commemorative badge by the county council.
The authority first introduced school crossing patrols (SCPs) in 1953 and says they help parents and children to walk, scoot or cycle to and from school independently, encouraging more active ways to travel and helping to create cleaner air.
The SCPs’ duties, equipment and uniforms have remained similar throughout the years.
Originally, the role fell to police, who were issued with white dust coats to protect their uniforms whilst on duty. SCPs were eventually introduced to allow police to carry out their crime-fighting duties. They were issued with two white coats for summer and a white waterproof one for winter or bad weather.
They also wore armbands and peaked caps with metal shields and were provided with torches (with a red glass front), "gum boots" and black, leather-lined gloves.
Torches disappeared from use, but in the 1960s red fluorescent sleeves and jackets were made available for better visibility along with the familiar round ‘Stop’ sign in use today.
When SCPs hold up their signs it is a legal requirement for motorists to stop to allow pedestrians to cross the road, moving on only once the sign has been lowered and it is safe to do so.
In 2000, the law was changed giving the responsibility for patrols to local authorities.
Cllr Phil Bibby, HCC’s executive member for highways and transport, said: “Our school crossing patrols play a really important part in keeping our young people active in Hertfordshire.
“Children and young people walking to school teaches them independence, but it also helps to reduce the amount of traffic in the local area, especially during school drop-off and pick-up, and improving air quality in the neighbourhood for everyone.
“It’s great that many of our SCPs stay with us for so many years and even get their family members involved in the role.”
Frances Deary is the county’s longest-serving SCP with 48 years’ service. She said: “I’m glad I’ve done it for all this time and I’d recommend the job to anyone!”
There are over 140 SCPs working across the county, some in permanent roles, while others cover relief positions as and when needed. The roles are paid, with full training provided. No previous experience is required.
Interested in becoming a Hertfordshire SCP? Find out more and register your interest online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/SCP.