A PRIMARY school has won its fight to have its lollipop lady reinstated.

Kelly Davies, who is also a lunchtime supervisor, has been appointed to ensure children and parents can safely cross the road outside SS Osmund and Andrew’s RC School.

The school, in Breightmet, hit out in February after being told their popular lollipop lady Alison McDonagh would not be replaced when she moved on to a new job because of a controversial recruitment freeze on school crossing patrols.

Cllr John Byrne and his wife Lynda took up the case to see if they could come up with a solution.

He said: “I spoke to highways and the headteacher to see if we could come up a compromise.

“It was agreed that if a member of staff could be found who was prepared to take on the job then the school could have a patrol.

“It is about thinking creatively.

“It is fantastic the school has a crossing patrol —the safety of children is imperative and she looks like she is enjoying it.”

Headteacher John Thorpe stepped in to help children cross the road while the school was without a lollipop lady.

He said: “I was very anxious when children were crossing the road and sometimes popped out to fill in.

“The parents and the children responded to our calls to be extra careful.

“I am so grateful to parents Cllrs John and Lynda Byrne, and The Bolton News for their support.

“Kelly already works here and this is another way of investing in our valued members of staff, as we did with Alison.

“The council had already budgeted for a school crossing patrol because they did not know that Alison was moving on. The money was there.

“You can’t put a financial value on safety.”

Miss Davies started in her new position last week, after undergoing training.

She agreed to take the role voluntarily and is being paid for the extra hours she works.

The 36-year-old mum-of-two said: “The first time I stepped out in the middle of the road I was a bit nervous, but I am really enjoying it now, seeing the children in the morning and after school.

“My son, Kenton Holt, who is seven, is at this school, so as a parent I was worried when there was no school crossing patrol.

“It was very worrying for parents.

“Crossing patrols are so important for children.”

Now it looks like Miss Davies will be as popular as her predecessor.

Oscar Hilton, aged nine, said: “Miss Davies is really nice. If children are feeling a little sad she comes up and talks to them.

“She talks to my grandma when she picks me up.

“Everyone has made her feel welcome and we all feel safer crossing the road.”