AN urgent appeal has been issued by Devon County Council to find a new crossing patrol in Tavistock in the new year. Callington Road, near Tavistock Community Primary School, has been without a crossing patrol for a year after the previous lollipop man retired following an eight year stint in the role. The county council and the primary school are keen to reduce congestion around the school gates and improve safety for primary pupils as well as students at Tavistock College who also have to cross Callington Road. Lack of parking facilities at Tavistock Community Primary has prompted the school to enlist a volunteer parent to man the gates to ensure that only vehicles with staff permits enter the school grounds at peak times. It is hoped that more volunteers will be found to help with the crossing patrol. Headteacher Joe Flynn said: 'Callington Road is a busy road and we have missed having a character helping our pupils and college students across the road and making sure they're safe. 'I would feel much happier for the children if someone was there overseeing it.' Parents are also reminded they can apply for a free pass to park at the Riverside car park without charge for 35 minutes, while walking with their children to the school. The crossing patrol is double the normal hours of a crossing patrol, at 10 hours, 45 minutes a week, as the road is used by college students as well as pupils from Tavistock Primary School. For information call Andrew Eagles on 01392 382247.
