CHILDREN attending a Richmond school have been left without a "lollipop" man or woman to help them across a busy road.

No suitable candidates have applied for the job of crossing patrol person outside Richmond lower school, in Station Road.

The vacancy has been advertised at the town's JobCentre but a spokesman from North Yorkshire County Council said only one person had applied but was unable to work the hours required.

Meanwhile, a parent has spoken of her astonishment that the council waited until September to advertise the post, which became vacant in May.

Ms Eileen McMullan said the danger was greater because building work continued at the school and vans and other equipment blocked pavements and obscured views.

"I was informed the vacancy arose in May. Because the lower school was closed for the last weeks of term for building works, it was not thought necessary to advertise until the school re-opened," said Ms McMullan.

"I am astonished by this and feel the vacancy should have been advertised on time to fill it for the start of the school year."

"Almost every day I witness children running back to the pavement in fright to avoid cars, buses or lorries that speed around the bend."

She said a temporary crossing person should have been in place for the start of term if a permanent appointment had not yet been made.

"I hope it is not intended to wait until a child is seriously hurt before someone decides that perhaps there should have been a crossing patrol there," she said.

The county council spokesman said it would look into what measures could be taken if the vacancy continued to attract no interest. A letter had been sent to parents informing them of the situation and the council was looking at improving warning signs on the approaches to the school.