A lollipop lady in Dorset who was banned from her post after being deemed 'unsafe' has been reinstated following a community campaign and a fortuitous car crash. Lauren Cannon, who had safely guided children across the road to Lytchett Matravers Primary School for four years, was dismissed by Dorset Council because her presence at a newly installed zebra crossing would 'confuse' drivers, according to the council.
The decision sparked widespread outrage among parents, who labelled the move 'shocking' and 'disgusting'. A petition demanding her retention was launched, and mounting public pressure forced officials to reconsider. A pivotal moment occurred during a site visit on Monday when a car crashed on the 30mph road directly in front of council representatives, highlighting the very dangers the crossing was meant to mitigate.
The Lib Dem-run council has now reversed its position and agreed to establish a new, safe crossing point for Ms Cannon further along the road, near the school's southern entrance. Zoe Rawlings, a mother who spearheaded the campaign, expressed delight at the decision, saying: 'As parents, we are absolutely delighted with the decision to retain our lollipop lady.'
Ms Rawlings added that parents are willing to walk further to cross with Ms Cannon for safety. The local parish council had committed £7,000 annually to fund the lollipop lady, recognising the road's dangers. A Dorset Council spokesperson explained that the policy change followed national guidance and that moving the patrol away from the zebra crossing removes the risk of confusion, ensuring children can continue to travel to school safely.
