The failure to fill two school crossing patrol jobs at Bodmin College in almost a year prompted a new approach to advertising the vacancies this week.
Staff from CORMAC Solutions, which is contracted by Cornwall Council, moved into the Malcolm Barnecutt bakery shop in the town centre on Monday to give shoppers an opportunity to find out more about the school crossing patrol posts outside Bodmin College.
Jane Lewis, CORMAC Solutions' school crossing patrol co-ordinator, said the two school crossing patrol sites outside the college have been vacant for some time and we are finding it difficult to fill these fulfilling positions.
" We are grateful for the support from Barnecutts who have helped to spread the message – many people stopped to talk to us to find out more and took leaflets away with them. I hope as a result we will be able to fill these vacancies – the job would suit someone who is community minded and has spare time morning and afternoon."
Brett Elliott, principle of Bodmin College, said he wholeheartedly supporting Cornwall Council in its attempts to appoint a crossing patrol person near to the college.
" We are extremely concerned that for 10 months the students have been subjected to unsupervised road crossings which poses significant risk to students and drivers alike,'' he said.
Pat Rogerson, Cornwall councillor for Bodmin Central, said: "Having worked at Bodmin College myself I know what an engaging job it can be between the 'Lollipop person' and the students."
Terry Warne, a local School Crossing Patrol relief, said "The job is fabulous, I can't say enough praise for it. You are a member of the community looking after children's safety, every day is different."