WORRIED parents of pupils at a Chorley primary school say it is only a matter of time before a child is seriously injured at a busy road junction.

A group backed by borough councillor Ralph Snape has started a campaign to find someone to fill the vacant crossing patrol position near Gillibrand CE school, Grosvenor Road.

The previous lollipop woman left before Christmas and county council staff have struggled to find anyone suitable for the position.

Four Chorley schools within a mile of each other are affected by vacant crossing patrols at Gillibrand Street, Pall Mall and Collingwood Road.

Drivers can race unchecked along Collingwood Road through to Eaves Green Lane.

Roadworks in Letchworth Drive have worsened the problem, encouraging drivers to take an alternative route down Collingwood Road to the town centre.

Councillor Snape, a governor at Gillibrand, said: "It's not a great job. It's part-time pay, but the hours are virtually full-time because they tie you in the morning, at lunchtime and in the afternoon."

Ken Speak, Lancashire manager for crossing patrols, said: "Pay rates are above the minimum wage but the hours are not great.

"But we take people up to the age of 70 and even up to 75 if they're in good health.

"We've also asked school dinner ladies because the hours tie in nicely."