A recruitment drive for lollipop ladies has been launched in Essex – just four months after proposals to axe more than 50 of the posts were scrapped.

Essex County Council (ECC) is looking to recruit 29 school crossing patrol officers across the county, as well as four mobile vacancies to cover sickness and holidays.

The vacancies include four sites in mid- and north Essex which had been earmarked to be got rid of by County Hall.

The Conservative-led administration had proposed scrapping 55 patrols which were at zebra or pelican crossings, but in May after consultation decided only to remove patrols at seven traffic light controlled crossings.

There had been uproar from parents, school staff and opposition groups to the plans.

Rodney Bass, county councillor for highways and transportation, said: “School crossing patrol officers have a very special place in local communities and people who do the job find it very fulfilling.”

A staff member at Perryfields Junior School, Chelmsford, one of those with a vacancy, said the school was desperate for a replacement lollipop patrol to provide some consistency for parents concerned about the safety of children walking to school, especially those who travelled on their own.

Mike Mackrory, leader of the Liberal Democrat group at ECC, said: “The administration rejected a motion against the plans but within weeks performed the u-turn of all u-turns.

“We very much welcome the change of heart and the recruitment drive because we do believe school crossing patrols perform a very valuable role in the safety of children going to and from school.”

The vacancies include 19 patrols in north and mid-Essex.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday October 7.

For more information email school.crossingpatrol@essex.gov.uk or to apply visit www.workingforessex.com.