Lollipop patrols help stop abuse

LOLLIPOP ladies are being told to look out for any signs of domestic abuse among children.

A council has sparked controversy after holding a child protection course for school crossing patrols in Devon.

Male and female staff were asked to look for ‘any types of abuse’ and told ‘how and where’ to report concerns.

But parents say the move is ‘lunacy’ and oversteps the role of lollipop staff.

A father of four, from Exeter, who did not wish to be named, told Devon Live: ‘Their primary concern should be getting my kids across the road without getting run down. What would happen if there was an accident because they were trying to see if a kid had a bruise on their face or something?’

A Devon county council spokesman said: ‘All council employees who come into contact with children, young people and the vulnerable through their everyday work have a duty to safeguard and promote their welfare.’