CHILDREN trying to cross busy Guiseley roads to get to and from school are facing yet another threat to their safety, a lollipop man has claimed.

Crossing warden Peter Mellor is retiring next week after nine-and-a-half years of safely seeing children across the busy Queensway-Towngate junction - but no replacement has yet been found by Leeds City Council.

As previously reported, parents in the Bradford Road area of Guiseley have been campaigning since the end of last year for a pelican crossing and new warden on that road, after the previous warden resigned. A petition is currently circulating the town calling for action from parents at Guiseley School and Tranmere Park Primary.

Mr Mellor, 70, said he was worried that if no-one came forward to take his job, three further schools would be without a warden and that children's lives would be threatened.

"I am very worried as I understand that despite the school's and council's best efforts, no-one has come forward. Although I am attached to St Oswald's Primary, youngsters going to Fieldhead Primary from Queensway also cross there, as do youngsters going up to the playgroup and Infants School.

"Since council policy changed to include anyone using the crossing, a great number of elderly people are benefiting from my service as they are frightened of crossing there.

"This is a very busy five road junction with a mini-roundabout, resulting in vehicles coming from all directions and should definitely be manned. You need to have eyes in the back of your head sometimes. I would rest easy knowing that when I retire the children were safe. It's a shame that no-one has come forward for either position yet."

Mr Mellor, of The Birches, Guiseley, said the position would ideally suit a retired person or a mother with school-age children who was not working.

He added: "I have spent almost ten years doing that job and I have enjoyed it and found it very rewarding.

"I shall miss the youngsters, as I've seen some of them grow up over the years and I've no doubt that there will be a few tears shed on both sides come next Friday."

St Oswald's head teacher Pam Woodhead said: "We'll be sorry to see Peter go. He is so cheerful and always has a smile for children, parents and motorists alike. The junction is very busy and we're all hoping that a replacement can be found quickly."

A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said there was a large number of vacancies across Leeds, but particularly in Guiseley and Otley. She said that wardens received £4.77 an hour with half-pay during holidays and would suit someone near the site.

"The job can be both challenging and rewarding and anyone under 70 who is interested should call (0113) 247 5589."