High-five lollipop man beats the ban
THE HIGH-fiving 83-year-old lollipop man has had his ban lifted after council bosses admitted they were ‘wrong.’
Chiefs at Stockport council have apologised for telling youngsters not to greet Colin Spencer with a high five - and now want to encourage the ‘unique personalities’ of lollipop staff at schools.
Colin had spent 14 years greeting children as they crossed the road - saying hello with high fives.
But a text sent to parents at St George’s Primary School in Heaviley, Stockport, last week from the authority urged them to stop as it could be a ‘disruption.’ Parents were outraged at the decision.
Dad Howie Pickering, whose two daughters go to the school, said: “If a child is having a bad day, it can make all the difference when they see Colin.
“He really cheers them up before school. He really is part of the landscape.”
But a statement issued from Stockport council said they were wrong.
A spokesman from Stockport council said: “Following the recent reports surrounding Stockport council’s lollipop man, Colin Spencer, we want to apologise for the unnecessary concern caused by the issuing of an instruction that was clearly wrong.”
Councillor Sheila Bailey, executive member for communities and housing at Stockport council said: “Colin has been an outstanding public servant and a popular member of his community for many years.
“It’s fantastic that he works with a smile on his face and brightens up the day for so many children.
“Our priority, and Colin’s, has always been the safety and wellbeing of our school children.
“We try and make the service as safe as possible as well as maintaining the unique personalities that each member of the team brings to their school.
“We are sorry, that on this occasion, the council got it wrong.”
Colin, a grandfather of 10, said: “It was petty.
“It’s bureaucracy gone mad. The decision really did upset many children. Especially the younger ones.
“But this is great news. It should never have come to this in the first place. The children will be pleased.”
Colin will return to work at the crossing in March.