Lollipop lady starts work in St George’s Road

Since Monday Frances George has been on duty at the pelican crossing near the junction of St George's Road and Garden Row between 8.15am and 9.15pm and from 3.15pm to 4.15pm on school days.

The introduction of the crossing patrol received unanimous backing from councillors of all parties at last week's council assembly meeting.

Local parents and residents had approached the council to ask for road safety measures after the death earlier this month of five-year-old Hichame Bouadimi, a pupil at Charlotte Sharman Primary School.

"Following on from heartfelt parental concerns, we have responded by taking immediate action to provide reassurance for pedestrians at that crossing, the scene of this terrible tragedy," said Cllr Barrie Hargrove, Southwark's cabinet member for transport, environment and recyling.

"Whilst our thoughts remain with Hichame's family, friends and the school, we hope a supervised road crossing will provide some reassurances to children, parents, the school community and other road users.

"We do not want anyone crossing that road to feel unduly anxious or have heightened fears or anxiety.

"We remain strongly committed to improving road safety in the borough, including urgently seeking ways to reduce speed across our borough.

"The patrol is currently being funded from the parking revenue account. While this is a temporary measure in response to a tragic situation, there will be local funding available which can be used to secure a patrol for the longer term."

Mayor of London Boris Johnson said this week: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of a young child earlier this month on St George's Road and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family at this difficult time.

"A Metropolitan Police investigation is ongoing into this collision and, as is normal, TfL is assisting the police as required. TfL will closely consider any findings or recommendations produced once the investigation is complete."