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Lollipop man Fred Kent back helping Sacred Heart pupils cross the road |
We’re sticking with lollipop man, Fred, for at least 6 months
Parent’s efforts win temporary reprieve after council told popular 80-year-old he must retire
THERE were joyous scenes among parents and children at a primary school in Holloway yesterday after news that their popular lollipop man is set to stay for at least another six months.
Fred Kent has safely escorted children across the road outside Sacred Heart School in George Road for 17 years.
But when he turned 80 last week a council official wrote and told him that he must retire in a month’s time.
“I was devastated by the news,” said Fred, a former bus conductor who later became a caretaker on the Westbourne estate.
“I thought ‘why should I retire?’ I love the job, I love the kids and their parents. I’m fit and well and I can do the job.”
That’s when parent Sandra Harris, who has a nine-year-old son, Jack, at the school, went into action.
She contacted Age Concern Islington who told her that by law the council needed to give Fred a statutory six months’ notice for retirement.
When she informed the council an official admitted they were wrong and apologised.
So when great-grandfather Fred turned up for duty yesterday (Thursday), headteacher John Lane was able to break the news that he could stay on at least until September.
Fred said: “I couldn’t believe it when I got the news that I can stay on. I’m so pleased.
“It’s like all my birthdays and Christmases coming at once.”
Mrs Harris was also delighted.
She said: “We created an online petition and a group on Facebook to save Fred.
“We don’t want him to go in September. Providing he is fit and healthy, why does he have to go?” |
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Your comments:
I THINK he should stay for six months, he is fit and healthy. I dont get why not he can't stay he helps kids to cross the road.
B. Molloy
MY dad was a lollipop man on the Sidcup bypass. He retired when he was 81years young. He did'nt want to retire as he was fit and healthy. So why don't they give medicals every year and if Fred is fit and healthy. Why can't he carry on. All power to him.
S. O'Brian
FRED should stay!
Btw, I go to that school!!!
M. Barco
Yeah i agree with my friend M.Barco! Fred should stay!
Z Najafpour
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