HUNDREDS of parents are calling for a lollipop person to be brought back outside a York primary school.

More than 350 parents and local residents have put their names to a petition to bring back the crossing patrol outside St Paul's C of E Primary School, in Holgate Road.

The petition, which will go before councillors at a meeting next week, is calling for a new lollipop person as the post has been vacant for two years.

The existing pelican crossing in Holgate Road has been in place for many years, but has been the source of many complaints and concerns, particularly over the safety of school children.

At the beginning of last December, an incident occurred at the crossing involving a young boy and a vehicle.

Concerns for children on their journey to and from school were raised again with the council by parents, governors, the local councillor and MP Hugh Bayley.

Parents said problems arose when the pelican crossing became blocked by queuing vehicles. This, they say, can result in children crossing between queuing vehicles while the green man is displayed.

Holgate ward councillor Denise Bowgett said: "We just want everything to be safe for the children. It's a very busy crossing and we want improved safety before a child is seriously injured or killed. Let's do something before that happens."

In a report to councillors Bill Woolley, director of city strategy, said: "Officers from Learning, Culture and Children's Services (LCCS) confirmed the position has been vacant for a long time, but has not been considered a high priority for a replacement to be recruited because there is a pelican crossing present to assist children in crossing the road.

"However, given the current level of concern, it was agreed that LCCS should undertake a detailed assessment of both the public usage of the crossing and an assessment of traffic (type, volume, speed) with a view to determining if a school crossing patrol is justified under current criteria.

"Because of the local effects on traffic and pedestrian movements due to the on-going roadworks at Holgate Bridge, it was agreed that this assessment would need to be done after these works are completed."

Councillors will consider the report at The Guildhall on Wednesday.

There will also be a public meeting at St Paul's Church on June 13, at 6.30pm.