BRADFORD is facing a "desperate" shortage of crossing patrol workers with more than half of the district's roles vacant.

So few people want to take on the job that the Council has been forced to re-advertise the 11 positions which most urgently need filling, as a teaching union calls for recruitment to be made a priority "because children's lives are at risk."

Bradford Council has just reviewed the district's 134 school crossing sites - which are a mixture of zebra, pelican and puffin crossings as well as patrols only - and is now crunching the numbers to decide how to tackle the problem.

But it has said 48 of the 86 positions are currently vacant and has admitted it is struggling to recruit.

The Strategic Director of Children’s Services Michael Jameson said: "We want people to fill the vacancies that we have but this has not been easy. We would urge people who believe they are suitable to check with their school if there is a vacancy."

The Bradford spokesman for the National Union of Teachers Ian Murch said: "It is a serious matter not having someone to supervise a crossing, because children can get killed on busy roads. These positions should be a priority because children's lives are at risk."

Peel Park Primary School in Undercliffe has been campaigning for a crossing patrol for more than a year. A new entrance was opened at the school in September 2013, which requires pupils to cross Otley Road.

The Council delayed advertising the job until the review was completed, but has now had to re-advertise the role because no-one came forward.

Community manager at the school Steve Allen said: "We desperately need a crossing patrol, and we're pleading with someone to apply for the job. It would make a difference every day to the children here."

Blakehill Primary School in Idle had been told its vacant position would be filled by September, but again has had to be advertised for a second time after a dismal response.

Councillor Ralph Berry, the Council's executive member for children's services, said: "Because there are two jobs at different ends of the day it makes it difficult for a lot of people. Those who wanted to do this sort of job in the past don't seem to want to do it any more. We have to find a way to recruit these people."

He said the review would not be about cutting services, but could lead to current crossing patrol workers being moved to areas with a higher need.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

LOLLIPOP JOB IS 'FOOD FOR THE SOUL'

Saghir Ahmed started working as a crossing patrol officer at Newby Primary School in West Bowling ten years.

Although he originally had to have his arm twisted to take on the role, he now loves the job, saying it is "food for the soul."

Mr Ahmed, 47, was already a volunteer at the school and coached football when he was asked by the head to take on the role of "lollipop man."

Mr Ahmed, who grew up just a road down from the school, said: "I was originally only going to work between half term and Christmas. That was ten years ago. 

"I remembered when my son came to the school and how busy the road was and how frightened I was when he went to school, I decided to do it. 

"Once I started I found it really rewarding. It is a great way of getting to know the community and pupils at the school. 

"It is food for my soul. It is very therapeutic.

"I find it surprising that not many people want to take on the role. You have to be able to get on with people and you have to smile, even when it's raining.

"It is a job that you have to want to do, but it is very rewarding when you do it."