A dad-of-three who complained to the authorities about a popular lollipop man who high-fived youngsters on the way to school has explained why he reported him to the council.
After almost 20 years in the role, Bryan Broom quit his job this week after complaints were made about him slapping hands with children on the way to Kirk Ella St Andrews Primary School in west Hull.
Bryan’s decision was met with shock by many parents who criticised complainants for the “pathetic” grievances they had against the 77-year-old.
However, Gary Thompson, 37, made the decision to officially report Bryan to East Riding Council in March 2017 after raising concerns about how he was treating his six-year-old son.
Mr Thompson alleged Bryan used to “tap his lollipop stick” on his son’s head while he was crossing the road.
He says it led to the youngster, who has since moved schools for other reasons, no longer wanting to cross with Bryan and caused him concern as his son suffers from epilepsy.
Mr Thompson, who lives in east Hull, said: “Bryan used the lollipop stick to tap our child on his head whilst crossing at the designated patrol site.
“Because of that it got to the point that he didn’t want to cross where Bryan was.
“He [Bryan] is in a safety control role and he has a busy junction to manage.
“He should be focused on watching the road. He shouldn’t be high-fiving people and using his stick to bash people on the head.”
In the letter sent to East Riding Council, Mr Thompson acknowledged Bryan was “upbeat” and had a “rapport” with children and their families.
However, he said he would have preferred Bryan to be “polite, courteous, and primarily professional.”
Mr Thompson, who worked in a “safety critical managerial role for 18 years,” said: “My criticism is that he was too familiar, too comfortable and certainly not focused on the road as I would expect someone in that role to be and that was the crux of my complaint.
Do you think Bryan has done anything wrong?
10000+ VOTES SO FAR
“He is on a busy junction and that is what I wanted East Riding Council to address.
“That should have been Bryan’s main focus – the traffic. I am glad he has resigned.”
After his shock resignation, Bryan admitted he was sorry to leave the role and said his time as a lollipop man had been “magic.”
He said: “I’ve had a wonderful time and I’ve met some wonderful people.
“I’ve seen babies just born in carry cots and prams and then they have grown up and started at this school.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and I thank everyone for the wonderful backing they have been giving me by making my job easy and enjoyable, which is very important for me.
“I’m sad to leave but I just feel as though I can’t go on with the present atmosphere.”
More education news
Many parents at the school gates who have got to know Bryan over the years reacted with shock and dismay at his resignation.
Speaking about the complaints made against Bryan, Geri McLeod-Pratt, 46, said: “I think it’s pathetic and I just think the world is going crazy.
“Some people are oversensitive and have no sense of humour and I just think it’s a real shame.
“When Bryan told me I was so upset for him because he is a lovely man.
Are you looking for a job? Click here to see our Hull listings
“Getting children ready for school is not easy but he has made me belly laugh and turned my morning around.
“He makes children giggle and he really is going to be missed.”
The Hull Daily Mail has recently launched a free app which features all the latest news, sport and what’s on information. You can download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple's App Store, or get the Android version from Google Play.
