AN officer working for Warwickshire county council was told she would have ‘blood on her hands’ if Studley didn’t get a new lollipop person.
The official, who was carry out a traffic survey on the A435 at the time, was sent messages saying ‘she would be personally responsible if a child died’ trying to cross the busy highway through the village, said Councillor Paul Beaman, chairman of Studley parish council.
The abuse and intimidation left the officer feeling vulnerable as she went about doing her job, councillors heard.
Members sat in silence as the extent of the behaviour was revealed, county councillor Clive Rickhards saying that as a result of the abuse he had felt obliged to write to the officer apologising for the actions of a minority of the community.
“She was caused considerable stress by this situation and I think what has happened is regrettable and I have sent a letter expressing my feelings,” said Coun Rickhards.
The officer had been charged with carrying out a traffic review of the A435 following the passing of popular village lollipop lady Chris Langford.
This should have been a routine job for the officer, who was simply tasked with gathering statistical evidence – the decision on whether or not to replace Mrs Langford would be made not by her but by elected members.
However parish members heard that somehow her name had slipped out into the public domain, sparking a tirade of emails.
Coun Karen Somner-Brown queried the actual language used but Coun Beaman stated categorically that the phrase ‘blood on her hands’ had been stated.
“Officers are in a difficult position and are only doing what they are told to do and I’m afraid this does not put us in a very good light,” said Coun Beaman.
The county council is currently advertising for a new permanent lollipop person for the A435 crossing.
