WE need more crossing patrols!That was the battle cry today from an Ipswich mum anxious to see her children get to school safely across busy Bramford Road.

WE need more crossing patrols!

That was the battle cry today from an Ipswich mum anxious to see her children get to school safely across busy Bramford Road.

Sue Smith, 34, who accompanies three children to Springfield Junior, vented her anger after hearing of a shortage of crossing patrols in the Ipswich area.

She is hoping for a recruitment drive to solve the problem.

Mrs Smith, mum to Dearnna, eight, and Peter-Deklin, 10, said letters were sent out to parents after one patroller was off on unpaid leave and the other was on compassionate leave.

She said: "The road is bad enough with just me trying to cross the road alone without having the children with me.

"The road is absolutely horrendous. It is a very busy road to cross and the drivers are not courteous whatsoever towards pedestrians.

"Even if the traffic is going slowly, like it was this morning, the drivers have no intention of stopping to let you go by.

"They are just not patient enough to let the children cross safely to school."

After reaching the end of her tether Ms Smith, who also lives on Bramford Road, offered to do the job herself, only to be turned down because she had not got the training.

Ms Smith, who also walks her neighbour's eight-year-old daughter to school added: "It is not just my children I am concerned about, it is all the children getting to school safely."

Sandra Graffham, Suffolk County Council communications manager for environment and transport said two crossing patrols operate in the area: one in Bramford Road and one in Bramford Lane.

Relief cover is being provided in Bramford Road for the three weeks to cover the patroller's unpaid leave.

She said: "It is unfortunate someone is on long term leave and someone else had to take compassionate leave. We have informed all parents.

"A letter has gone to the school to explain the situation and we are doing all we can."

She said Suffolk County Council has seven vacancies in Ipswich for crossing patrols at 19 sites, including one for a relief patrol.

They are always on the lookout to recruit more crossing patrols countywide either to provide relief cover or on a permanent basis.

Interested parties should telephone 01473-583291.