Lollipop man, 83, not allowed to keep uniform

"An 83-year-old lollipop man has been told by a council that he cannot keep his uniform as a memento, after he was made redundant in the summer. Robert Boyce helped children to cross the road as they went to and from Cypress Primary School in South Norwood, south-east London, for more than 20 years. Reflecting on his time, he said he had made the job his own and hoped to keep the high-visibility coat for sentimental reasons. "I'd like to hold on to it for the memories," he said. "I can't imagine what they would do with it now I've finished." Croydon Council said it "retains uniforms and other council equipment when staff leave their employment for safeguarding reasons". Mr Boyce's job was axed as part of cost-saving measures by the council."

"With the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) present, families stopped to say "Hello Robert" and "We miss you" as they passed. Harrison Galliven/LDRS Hannah Thompson, who was taking her five and seven-year-old children to Cypress primary, told Mr Boyce that they missed seeing him in his distinct red and yellow jacket every day. Mr Boyce, who said he had no plans to wear his uniform, is asking the council to withdraw its request for him to return it so he can keep it for sentimental reasons."

"The local authority, which previously awarded him a certificate marking his 20 years of public service, said it could not let Mr Boyce keep the uniform, but said it could be donated to the school where he worked."

An 83-year-old crossing guard, Robert Boyce, served more than 20 years helping children cross to and from Cypress Primary School in South Norwood. He was made redundant during council cost-saving measures and asked to return his distinctive high-visibility coat, which he hopes to keep for sentimental reasons. Croydon Council said it retains uniforms and other equipment for safeguarding when staff leave and offered that the coat could be donated to the school. Families still greeted Mr Boyce at the junction, expressing that they missed seeing him in his red and yellow jacket.

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