Southend’s SCPs celebrate Diamond Jubilee

The 60th anniversary of the school crossing patrol (SCP) service was celebrated in Southend with a tea party for the borough’s 14 SCPs.

While the idea was first mooted in the late 1940s, the SCP service was officially created by the School Crossing Patrol Act in 1953, and the first official patrol started work in 1954. While the uniform and sign have changed to meet modern standards – and patrols can now stop traffic to cross any pedestrian, adult or child – the role is essentially the same today as it was 60 years ago.

Southend’s 14 SCPs, who operate at schools around the borough, got the chance to mark the special occasion with a tea party hosted by the mayor at his official residence.

Although the majority of Southend’s SCPs have long passed the age of retirement, they still attend their sites twice a day.

The party was an opportunity to thank them for their dedication and the team all received a commemorative badge (provided by Road Safety GB) and cakes to mark the anniversary.

For more information contact Cheryl Hindle-Terry on 01702 215491.