A painting which shows that the role of the school crossing patrol has changed relatively little since the 1970s, has been presented to Spennymoor Town Council in County Durham.
Alan Kennedy, Durham’s road safety manager, said: “School crossing patrols play a really important role in our communities.
“They ensure the safety of thousands of children – sometimes in terrible weather conditions – and it is lovely to see their work recognised by Norman Cornish in this painting.”
A plaque which accompanies the painting, written by the artist, reads: “Some time ago owing to the increase in road traffic, the powers that be decided to appoint special people to ensure that school children could safely cross the busy road whilst going to and coming from school.
“These people, with their white coats and circular Stop Notices on poles, very soon came to be known as “Lolly-pop” men. A Lolly-pop crossing is in daily use quite near to my house and I have often watched the children being safety shepherded across.
“It is now an accepted part of modern life and I felt that it was important to record this in a painting.”
For more information contact Allison Lonsdale in Durham’s road safety team on 03000 268173.
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