Latest news with #EastRidingofYorkshireCouncil
Metro
a day ago
- General
- Metro
Lollipop man banned from giving kids high-fives over 'distraction' fears
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A lollipop man has been stopped from high-fiving children crossing the road because of fears it could cause them 'distractions'. Neil Cotton, 57, works as a school crossing patrol officer in Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire, where he had been giving local pupils high-fives at a busy turning known locally as Cross Keys Corner. But he has been told by his local council that the gesture could prevent children from learning to cross the road safely. East Riding of Yorkshire Council said an officer had reminded Mr Cotton of 'the need not to have distractions' while crossing. And in a now-deleted social media post, Mr Cotton reportedly wrote that drivers were also frustrated about having to wait extra time at the crossing. 'I have been instructed that I can no longer high-five children any more whilst crossing the road,' he wrote, according to the BBC. 'This is because it upsets some drivers having to wait another 10 seconds.' Local lorry driver Andy Heath, 49, told Metro that he passes the corner sometimes when Mr Cotton is working. 'It's not delaying me as a driver at all,' he said. 'It's political correctness gone mad.' 'He helps the truckers out as its a blind corner and he lets us know if it's safe to proceed or not,' Mr Heath added. 'He always seems to have a cheerful disposition.' Lollipop men and women have the power to stop traffic to help adults and children cross the road. The workers, also known as school crossing patrols, usually tell drivers to stop using their round 'stop' sign, and motorists must do so by law. Current legislation does account for high-fives, but parents and children are still advised by local councils to stay aware when crossing the road with a lollipop person's help. And they should not follow them into the road until the traffic has stopped on both sides. Penny Walker, a Facebook user, posted on a local community board that Mr Cotton is a 'lovely man who loves what he does the kids respect him'. 'I say leave him alone,' she added. Another user, Becky Barlow, said: 'I can't imagine being so miserable to complain about him giving high fives to kids. 'And why on earth the decision was made to side with those misery complaints is beyond me. 'My kids look up to him. We tell them he keeps everyone safe and they love seeing him. 'He's teaching kids to cross safely, we should be encouraging it, not taking away from it.' Kirsty Wilcox told BBC Look North: 'I think it's wrong. Why shouldn't he, what's wrong with it? More Trending 'It puts a smile on the kids' faces. My son does it all the time. But now he gets upset because he's not allowed to do it.' A spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said that lollipop men like Mr Cotton are 'pillars of the community, and do a very important job'. But they added: 'It is vitally important that children learn to cross the road safely, concentrating without any distractions, walking carefully and being vigilant of the traffic. 'In this particular case, one of our officers spoke with this crossing patrol and simply reminded them of the need not to have distractions while children are crossing.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Scottish council apologises after school was accused of sectarianism for flying Union Flag MORE: Human remains found in burnt out car on Malton country lane MORE: Children asking to miss school or wetting themselves over 'horror movie' toilets
Telegraph
2 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
Council bans lollipop man from high-fiving children as they cross road
A lollipop man has been ordered to stop giving high fives to school children because of health and safety concerns. For the past two years, Neil Cotton, 57, has sought to brighten the children's day with a high five as they crossed the road in Howden, East Yorkshire. But the school crossing patrol officer has now been told by the council that the gesture is a 'distraction' to children learning to cross the road safely. Mr Cotton said the high fives were also deemed to be upsetting some drivers by slowing down traffic at the junction known as Cross Keys Corner. In a social media post, he said: 'I have been instructed that I can no longer high-five children any more whilst crossing the road. This is because it upsets some drivers having to wait another 10 seconds.' East Riding of Yorkshire Council said one of its officers had spoken to the crossing patrol to say it was 'vitally important' that children learned to cross the road safely without any distractions. Mr Cotton also claimed he had been 'instructed to no longer guide the larger vehicles round Cross Keys Corner to eliminate the chances of legal action if there were to be an accident'. 'Absolutely ridiculous' The council clampdown drew ire on social media from parents who rely on the crossing patrol to keep their children safe. Niccie Downes responded to Mr Cotton's now deleted social media post by thanking him for doing 'an amazing job', calling the decision 'absolutely ridiculous'. She added: 'Finn thinks it's great when you high-five him in passing, which I'm sure all the others do, and as for guiding the lorries you're doing that for safety purposes as that corner is dangerous'. Another parent, Kirsty Wilcox, told BBC Look North: 'I think it's wrong. Why shouldn't he, what's wrong with it? It puts a smile on the kids' faces. My son does it all the time. But now he gets upset because he's not allowed to do it.' Theresa Holt said Mr Cotton's greeting gave children like hers a 'little bit of happiness'. She added: 'He's great with my little boy and he sees him as a friendly face.' A spokesman for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: 'We value all our school crossing patrols, they are pillars of the community, and do a very important job – meeting and greeting children, parents and pedestrians and helping to keep them safe while crossing the road. 'It is vitally important that children learn to cross the road safely, concentrating without any distractions, walking carefully and being vigilant of the traffic. 'In this particular case, one of our officers spoke with this crossing patrol and simply reminded them of the need not to have distractions while children are crossing. However, we are confident they will continue doing a fantastic job and they are much appreciated.'
BBC News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- BBC News
Test drive electric cars for free at Hull EV event
Free test drives of electric cars are on offer at Hull and East Yorkshire's first electric vehicle (EV) experience Go Electric takes place at the Priority Park & Ride site, just off the A63, between 10:00 and 15:00 BST on Saturday 21 June. Organised by Hull City Council, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and Let's Experience Electric, the event is part of both authorities' electric vehicle strategies, which aim to increase the number of people using councils said the event would demonstrate the growing range of cars and commercial electric vehicles along with electric buses and eBikes. Industry experts will answer questions about the latest advancements in EV technology, including charging will include electric vehicles from both local councils and emergency services, an electric bus, e-bikes and an electric truck. Councillor Paul West, cabinet member for environment and transport at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "This event is a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested to find out more about electric vehicles and all the benefits they bring."Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways at Hull City Council, said: "Making your next car an EV won't be right for everyone but the growing range of vehicles now available at different price points as well as the advancements in battery technology are making them increasingly accessible."Test drives need to be booked in advance and those taking part will need to bring a valid UK photo card driving licence and their National Insurance will also need a printed copy of their personal driving licence check and their reference code which can be created here. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Vintage vehicles race on Yorkshire beach
The annual Race the Waves event on South Beach, Bridlington, on Saturday (June 14) (Image: Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS) A Yorkshire beach was once again a scene of drag racing as motorists faced off in front of cheering spectators. Vintage vehicles raced along the 200-yard course on Bridlington's South Beach on Saturday (June 14) and Sunday during Race the Waves. Advertisement The annual Race the Waves event on South Beach, Bridlington, on Saturday (June 14) (Image: Katielee Arrowsmith/SWNS) The event, first staged in 2018, is a tribute to the days when Yorkshire's beaches were used to set land speed record attempts. A variety of classic vehicles were on display in South Marine Drive, and entertainment was provided by the Bridlington Gold Radio Roadshow and the Bridlington Red Admirals Majorettes. Most read: Race the Waves was organised by Backfire and East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Visit East Yorkshire. Cllr Barbara Jefferson, cabinet member for heritage and coastal at East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: 'Set against the stunning backdrop of South Bay, Race The Waves is a real spectacle that's always a huge hit with vintage vehicle and motoring enthusiasts, as well as with day trippers, holiday makers and residents.'
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Seaside warning as venomous creatures with painful sting back on UK beaches
Posters are popping up on UK beaches, warning Brits not to walk on the sands barefoot during the summer months as small but venomous creatures have been found back on Britain's coast Brits have been warned not to walk barefoot on the sands during the summer months after tiny venomous creatures have returned to the UK coastline. With scorching temperatures of up to 30C set to swelter Brits this weekend, many of us will be heading straight to the beach for a day sunbathing, building sand castles, and braving the icy waters. However, you may also be in for a nasty surprise. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is currently putting up signs and sending warnings out on social media after it was discovered that weevers have returned to Britain's beaches. Known for their comical frown and camouflaged skin - these small creatures may look harmless but are actually venomous. Weevers bury in the sand and have inch-long dorsal spines which will stab anyone who accidentally stands on them - administering a painful sting that may ruin your fun day out. In fact, those who have been struck by weevers say the pain is 'excruciating' and is 10 times worse than being stung by a wasp. "We are currently putting up posters on noticeboards and sending out social media messages to warn people about the possible risks of stings from weever fish on our beaches," a council spokesperson said. "We are urging people to please not walk barefoot on the sands during the weever fish season, just in case." According to the BBC, Rosie Bullard, who runs a first aid station in Hornsea, treats around two children every week for stings suffered while paddling. She says the best solution is to wear waterproof shoes, and urges anyone stung by the creatures to immerse the sting in water 'as hot as you can bear' to 'cook' the protein in the venom. The NHS echoes this advice and recommends rinsing the affected area with seawater (not freshwater) as well as removing any spines from the skin using tweezers or the edge of a bank card. "Soak the area in very warm water (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 30 minutes," the body advised. "Use hot flannels or towels if you cannot soak it." While taking over-the-counter painkillers like paracetamol and ibuprofen is recommended, Brits should not urinate on the sting or apply ice/ a cold pack to the wound. "Do not touch any tentacles or spines with your bare hands [and] do not cover or close the wound," the NHS added. If you've been stung by a sea creature and have a 'severe pain' that is not going away, or you've been stung on your mouth, throat, or near your eyes - you should go to a minor injuries unit. If you've been stung by a sea creature and have any of the below symptoms, go to A&E (do not drive yourself): Difficulty breathing Chest pain Fits or seizures Severe swelling around the affected area Severe bleeding Vomiting Lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
