A LONG-AWAITED lollipop patrol project outside a primary school has failed to get off the ground after no volunteers came forward.

Parents were thrilled in February last year after Tollesbury School was named the county’s first site for a voluntary crossing patrol.

The pilot scheme was set to see volunteers helping children cross East Street in the mornings and evenings for 25-minute periods.

Mum-of-two Sarah Case had fought for the crossing since 2012, but was originally told by Essex County Council that a patrol would cost local campaigners £50,000.

Council bosses said they would not fund a crossing because there was not enough traffic passing the school.

After the area was chosen as a pilot crossing a poster designed by pupil Lacey-Mai Rushen was displayed around Tollesbury to attract volunteers.

But despite calls from Mrs Case and Tollesbury School no one has come forward to take on the voluntary role.

At a meeting of the Maldon Local Highways panel earlier this month members heard despite support the scheme had not been successful.

The report said: “Although there had been support for a voluntary crossing patrol, unfortunately no volunteers had been forthcoming.”

Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong learning, said: “We are very supportive of the concept of community-run school crossing patrols and are always willing to listen to new proposals.

“Unfortunately, a volunteer could not be found for a crossing at Tollesbury Primary School.

“However, if anyone is interested then I would encourage them to get in touch.”

A Tollesbury School Crossing Appeal fund had been set up to cover expenses paid to Essex County Council, including risk assessments, uniform and lollipop.

The fund had enough money for two years but was looking for a future £3,000-a-year sponsor.