ANGRY mothers say their children's lives were at risk after a lollipop lady went on holiday three days before the end of term.

Children heading for different schools were left to cross the busy Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, on their own after the crossing warden began her leave.

Schools served by the crossing say parents were notified in advance by letter but two mothers, contacted by the Shuttle/Times and News, say they did not receive letters.

Rachael Farmer, of Lea Street, whose 10-year-old daughter Sarah attends Sladen Middle School, Hurcott Road, said she had not received notification of the warden's holiday and was horrified to find that no alternative arrangements had been made.

"The safety of our children has been put at risk. Children as young as nine were dashing across the road and dodging the traffic.

"Birmingham Road is a very busy road and someone could easily have been killed. I would have thought a replacement warden cold have been found or someone from the school could have taken on the role for a few days," she said.

Valerie Swift, of Cherry Orchard, Kidderminster, said her 12-year-old son Sean had gone to school with friends but she feared for younger children.

"Sean is sensible and is old enough to look after himself but there were nine-year-olds on their own because their parents assumed there would be a lollipop lady on duty.

"I didn't receive a letter but when I phoned the school I was told that letters had been sent out letting us know the warden was on holiday.

"I also contacted the county council's road safety department but was horrified to be told it is the responsibility of parents to get their children to school safely,"she said.

St Ambrose First School published a reminder in its last newsletter that the crossing warden would be on holiday for the last three days of term and it expected parents to make their own arrangements for their children.

Worcestershire County Council's road safety officer Roger Woodward said the county was desperately short of crossing wardens and holidays posed particular problems.

"In cases of holidays we always try to put a relief in but when that is not possible we advise the schools affected to send out letters to parents. Even though we do try to provide as much cover as we can it is the ultimate responsibility of parents to see their children get to school safely, " he said.