Lollipop man, 89, may not volunteer as council says insurance too costly

An 89-year-old lollipop man was made redundant and prohibited from working for free after a local council claimed insuring him was too expensive.

Alfred Tollon has spent the past 24 years helping pupils cross the road. He has spoken out of his sadness at being made redundant due to council cuts.

Mr Tollon said that he told bosses that he would work for free at Harrow Lodge Primary School in Romford but was told that the cost to insure him was “prohibitive”.

On his last day in the role on Thursday before the Easter Bank Holiday weekend the school ensured that that octogenarian was made the guest of honour at their Easter parade, as pupils presented him with homemade cards.

The Daily Mail reported that Mr Tollon was informed by letter that his contract with the council was terminated and that he was given 12 weeks’ notice.

The council said it was facing unprecedented fiscal challenges and that less than 15 per cent of schools in the same borough now had crossing patrol officers because crossings had been installed.

Some local parents remain concerned about safety. Paula Leahy said that Mr Tollon “keeps everything flowing very smoothly”.

She told the newspaper: “I am genuinely really concerned because it’s a crossroad junction, it’s inevitable an accident will happen.”

‘It gets me up in the morning’

Mr Tollon, who is widowed, said he planned to retire on his 90th birthday but was devastated to be forced to give up his job earlier.

He added he would miss seeing the schoolchildren grow up, telling the newspaper: “I would do it for nothing. It gets me up in the morning. I feel fit, whereas if I wasn’t doing anything I’d just fall apart.”

His granddaughter Bethany, 26, added: “It’s going to mentally impact him because he’s stuck at home.”

She said that he was determined to find something else to do to stay active and was considering charity work.

“He doesn’t want to sit there and be elderly. He’s out more than I am.”

Havering council was contacted for comment.