Council Bans Lollipop Lady from Offering Treats to School Children in Melbourne

A grandmother, known as a lollipop lady at a Maroondah school, has been banned from offering school children treats after one parent complained to the council.

Crossing supervisor, Kaye Kittelty, was upset after she was told she can no longer hand out an icy-pole in summer or a pie in winter as a once-a-term treat to schoolchildren at Warranwood Primary School in Maroondah.

However, one parent complained to the Maroondah council which enacted a statewide rule. Maroondah Mayor Natalie Thomas said VicRoads regulations did not allow supervisors to be distracted by any outside activities, including sharing gifts when on duty.

Ms Kittelty said that she felt sad that the parent didn’t tell her before complaining to the council.

“I was upset, I thought (the parent) could have come to me first and said they didn’t like it and tell me why they didn’t want me to do it.

“The kids get (the treats) themselves out of the bag so it’s not interrupting my work.

“I’m here for the children and the parents and that’s the main concern,” she said.

Ms Kittelty also said that the children’s safety was never compromised when she offered the treats.

Now, students are starting a petition to bring back the lollipop lady.

“She’s almost like a pseudo grandmother to many of the kids and they all just enjoy rushing up to see her.

“It’s just another example of the councils overstepping their mar and interfering in things they don’t need to interfere in,” one parent said.

However, Ms Kittelty said that she will respect the council’s decision but will continue to help children cross the road.

Source: Au.news.yahoo.com and Heraldsun.com.au