Supervisor deployed to keep watch on lollipop lady banned from waving to schoolchildren

Council bosses have banned a popular lollipop lady from waving to schoolchildren on health and safety grounds. And they have deployed a supervisor to watch her during patrols to make sure she doesn't break their rules. Betty Dickson has been warned that waving breaks her concentration and puts children at risk. The supervisor is there to make sure the 74-year-old follows orders and remains static on duty. Now furious parents have nominated Betty for an award in a bid to show support for the pensioner, dubbed the “happiest woman in the world” by youngsters at St Maria Goretti Primary School and Lamlash Nursery in Cranhill, Glasgow, Scotland.



Janice Hamilton, 44, whose grandson goes to St Maria Goretti, said: “She isn’t doing anything wrong and makes the children’s day. She was the happiest woman in the world but she’s not happy now. It’s disgusting. You couldn’t get a nicer person. The kids and parents love her.” Des Duthie, 66, said: “She brightens everyone’s morning, especially the children. No one wants a grumpy person doing that job.” Betty has helped children cross the road at a busy junction for two years. Employers Cordia, run by Glasgow City Council, told her to stop waving last month. Parents have nominated Betty for a Cordia staff recognition and excellence award.

Betty, from Carntyne, Glasgow, was a full-time carer for her brother for more than 20 years. She got the job as a lollipop lady when he died. Betty refused to comment but a close friend said: “She’s been told her bosses are concerned about health and safety and that they want her to just concentrate on the children. But she always concentrates on the children. Those kids have never been in any kind of danger. She makes sure they get across the road and they’re safe. They all love her. Cordia have a lollipop man who is a relief worker and he goes round the schools when there’s somebody off. They’ve sent him out to stand with her and watch she doesn’t wave. She’s absolutely gutted she can’t wave to the kids.



“Betty loves her job. They’re putting her under a lot of stress by having a supervisor stand next to her.” One parent, whose children go to the nursery and primary school, said: “She was always so cheerful in the morning but now she just nods to people because she can’t wave. A lot of parents have filled out the Cordia recognition form for her to show we’re all behind her and we’re going to start a petition. My daughter’s 10 and even she’s picked up on it – she asked me if something was wrong with Betty. Betty’s always on the pavement when she waves. She never does it when the kids are crossing.” Cordia said: “A member of the public expressed concern about the behaviour of one of our school crossing patrollers and we looked into the matter. We had a chat with the patroller involved. They were provided with further training and we’re satisfied the issue is now resolved.”