Much-loved lollipop lady retires after 37 years

A much-loved lollipop lady who has been a "credit to the Middleton area" has retired after 37 years.

Barbara Gould started her career at St Thomas More Primary and St Michael's Primary School in Rochdale, where she was also a lunchtime supervisor.

She later moved to the crossing at Grimshaw Lane, where she supported children from schools including Alkrington Primary School and St Peter's Primary School.

She said: "I've enjoyed my job tremendously. It's the joy of getting up and knowing who I will be seeing."

"The children always have a smile and they speak to me and share their problems.

She said she has even "had the pleasure" of helping the children of former pupils she had also helped.

Gould said despite the fact she would "really miss the children" she is looking forward to spending more time with her family.

Mum Jodie Ward said her son Nathaniel has loved seeing Barbara every day on his walk to school.

She said: "Nathaniel is autistic and he sometimes struggles to talk to people, but he loves seeing Barbara every day and he always tells her what he's been doing.

"He will really miss her."

Councillor Dylan Williams from Rochdale Borough Council, who was helped by Barbara to cross roads as a pupil more than 20 years ago, said he "remembered her from all those years ago."

He added: "Everybody knows Barbara. She has a lovely presence.

"I know that she will have stopped countless children getting hurt on our roads over the years and that's an incredible legacy she can walk away with.

"She's been a credit to council and to the Middleton area and absolutely deserves a wonderful retirement," he added.

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