ESSEX County Council insists a current shortage of lollipop staff is not related to last year’s threat to scrap more than 50 patrols.

The authority currently has 15 vacancies across the county at established school crossings.

Last year, the council made a u-turn on proposals to scrap 55 patrols in a bid to save £300,000 after nearly 2,000 people signed a petition organised by the Echo and its sister paper, the Daily Gazette.

But a council spokesman insists uncertainty about the role has had no impact on recruitment.

Eddie Johnson, councillor responsible for highways maintenance, said: “These are important vacancies to fill for the community and we encourage members of the community to apply.”

There are currently vacancies in Basildon, Benfleet, Brentwood and Chelmsford.

For information, email School.CrossingPatrol@essex.gov.uk or visit workingforessex.com