HELP is needed for children to be able to cross the road to school as there is a lack of lollipop ladies.

Essex County Council has said there are 38 vacancies for crossing patrol officers across the county.

Seven of these vacancies are for mobile officers that can work at any school.

The council currently has 12 mobile officers to cover the schools.

The council and schools in Halstead are asking the community to help out so children can cross the road safely.

Ray Gooding, councillor responsible for Education, said: “We have had difficulty in recruiting school crossing patrol officers to a number of sites in Essex and are currently exploring potential alternatives with schools and communities including community support through volunteering schemes.

“Vacancies are advertised on our website and we are actively recruiting school crossing patrol officers at the moment.”

Sarah Donnelly, headteacher at the Richard De Clare school in Parsonage Street, said they didn't have a crossing patrol service but felt the vacancies should be filled to protect children.

She said: "It seems a shame as there are positions out there which can be filled to help all the students.

"I guess the hours are difficult and may not appeal to everyone.

"If the community could help with parents volunteering it would be an excellent plan."

Details of crossing patrol jobs can be found on www.workingforessex.com