PARENTS are having to stop traffic outside a school themselves, as there is no crossing patrol officer.

Parents with children at John Bunyan Primary School in Braintree have grown concerned for the safety of their children since the Coldnailhurst Avenue vacancy arose in July.

Tina Bull, from Rosemary Avenue, has a six- year-old and eight-year-old at the school.

She said: “I have spoken to the headteacher and deputy head and they said it may take a few mums to call up the council. It’s a really busy road and when there’s cars parked it’s really hard to see.

“My husband has to walk out and stop the cars.”

Kat Jones, another parent, said it was hard to believe there was not someone able to fill the position.

She said: “I find it incredibly disappointing that the school crossing patrol service seems to have been withdrawn in the absence of finding someone to fill it.

“The crossing patrol was removed from the top of Panfield Lane some time ago too, which means we now have two dangerous spots that get very busy with traffic during the school run times.

"I’m concerned for the safety of the children and families who have no feasible alternative but to cross at these spots. It’s an accident waiting to happen.”

Denise Jones, of Tabor Avenue, walks along the road every day she she has a six-year-old daughter, Maisy Kussan, at the school.

She said: “Coldnailhurst Avenue gets extremely busy, especially at drop off and pick up time.

“We desperately need a patrol officer- the cars down that road do go fast and are aware that there’s a school there, but most never take the time to stop to let people cross.

“If I wasn’t working I would volunteer to stand there to help cross the children.”

Ray Gooding, councillor responsible for education, said the council is taking action and is hoping to have someone in the post soon.

He said: “This post has already been advertised and we are optimistic of recruiting a new patrol officer for this site in the near future.

“Unfortunately, until the new officer is in post, we will be unable to provide cover. “