Lollipop man, 93, who has been doing job for 24 years is sacked overnight

A 93-year-old man who has been helping kids cross te road for two decades has been sacked from his job as a lollipop man due to local council cuts. 

Romford’s Alfred Tollon said seeing children across the road at Harrow Lodge Primary School had always made his day and that the gig helped keep him going after his wife died a few years ago. 

Such was Mr Tollon’s dedication to the position that he even made an offer to Havering Council that he would continue doing it for free. 

However, the local authority have said that the cost of insuring Mr Tollon for the work was too high as it faces ‘unprecedented financial challenges.’

The council added: ‘We have carried out a review of the School Patrol Service – as it stands, less than 15% of schools have crossing patrol officers as we have installed extra crossings instead.

‘As a result, we have restructured the service which, sadly, has meant a number of staff redundancies.’ 

Parents have responded by expressing concern for the safety of their children.

Local mum Paula Leahy said: ‘[Mr Tollon] keeps everything flowing very smoothly, and I am genuinely really concerned because it’s a crossroad junction, it’s inevitable that an accident will happen.’

During his last day on the job, Harrow Lodge made Mr Tollon its guest of honour at their Easter Parade. 

He was also presented with a number of cards that had been handmade by the children. 

Bethany, Mr Tollon’s granddaughter, told local press the job had ‘got him up in the morning and got him out of bed.’

Despite the disappointment, she added her grandfather is determined to find something else to occupy his time, and that he has been considering getting involved in charity work. 

She said: ‘He was driving his motorbike at 80 and upside down on rollercoasters – he’s living his life. He’s out more than I am.’

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