Lollipop man quits over ban on high-fives and sweeties

Published on Monday 5 October 2009 09:55

A LOLLIPOP man has quit after being banned from giving sweets and high-fives to children as he helps them cross the road.

John Hunter, 69, has been the popular crossing guide at Corstorphine Primary School for ten years.

Children queue up for his trademark high-fives and he loves to treat them with chocolates on his birthday and at Christmas.

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But after one parent complained he has been carpeted by his boss and told both practices must stop. Mr Hunter said he was warned that giving high-fives to the youngsters was a "health and safety risk", although there was no explanation of why it was dangerous.

The complaint is thought to have come after Mr Hunter inadvertently gave a chocolate containing nuts to a child with a nut allergy. The parent complained about the high-fives at the same time.

Mr Hunter, who was himself a pupil at Corstorphine Primary and has worked for the city council for almost 40 years, said: "This is the first complaint I've ever had in 37 years. Now suddenly I'm a danger to these children.

"They said it's health and safety, but I can't see if it's the children's safety or mine. I've built up a strong relationship with them over the years, and I'm going to miss them a lot.

"I was thinking about retiring anyway, so I've handed in my resignation. But it's a rotten way to go. The children have made me promise to come back and tell jokes."

Mr Hunter took the crossing job after taking early retirement as a roads maintenance inspector.

Parents have reacted with disbelief, with many writing to or calling the school to complain. They say Mr Hunter is extremely popular and well-trusted, and will be much missed by children.

One mother said: "He is warm and friendly to all the children, and even remembers their birthdays and gives them cards. He also attends school concerts and so on.

"Mr Hunter has done what he does for years and the children all think he is great. It is such a shame that it takes one parent to complain to spoil the enjoyment of the children."

Another parent added: "All the children love Mr Hunter. I can understand why they asked him not to give out sweets, but not the high-fives."

Labour's education spokesman, councillor Ricky Henderson, said: "I think they (the council] have taken it a bit too far. It seems like an overreaction which has put this poor guy in a position where he felt he had no option but to resign, and that is very sad given that he obviously had a good relationship with parents and children at the school. He is entitled to a full explanation."

A city council spokeswomen said: "We are really sad that John is leaving his post. Over the years, he has provided excellent service and a friendly smile to parents and pupils at Corstorphine Primary."