WORRIED parents and staff at a Wolverley primary school are fearing for the safety of children as they cross a busy road after they were left with no lollipop lady for the new term.

Wolverely Sebright Primary School has been left without a school crossing patrol officer on busy Franche Road since the start of the new term in September, after the previous officer had to take leave for personal reasons.

There is currently not a replacement for the role and parents have been left fearing their children could be seriously hurt or worse.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman confirmed they are looking for a relief replacement to cover the officer on Franche Road, until she is able to return.

Nicky Hawken, whose 10-year-old son attends the school, said: "It is a very dangerous road to cross and we are all very concerned that it is only a matter of time before an accident happens.

"It is a very busy road near to an island and on a bend, which people drive too fast by and are not stopping - so it is very dangerous for children to cross.

"It is a huge worry, cars do not slow down and children crossing unattended are at a massive risk with the volume of traffic in the road - my son used to walk down on his own, I will not let him now as I don't feel it is safe for him to do so."

Shelley Reeves-Walters, Wolverley Sebright headteacher, said: "I am aware and fully support our parents in raising the need for a crossing patrol outside our school. There is no relief that can cover so our families at present are without a safe way to cross a very busy road outside our school.

"We do not want an accident to happen before the conditions change.

"Although there are clear signs and flashing lights to warn drivers of an upcoming school we still see drivers drive at speed.

"I feel it is important to raise further awareness of the situation that we and other schools currently find themselves in. Outside primary schools the roads are unsafe to cross without crossing patrol or a pedestrian crossing in place. This is not just an issue for us we know other schools are in the same situation."

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, county council cabinet member for communities, added: "The school crossing patrol in this location is off work for personal reasons and will return as soon as they are able.

"The relief school crossing patrol recently left the position for unrelated reasons and we are currently looking to recruit a replacement.

"If anyone is interested in applying for the relief position then please come forward as soon as possible."