Parents outraged after lollipop man is SUSPENDED for complimenting mother and daughter
OUTRAGED parents have launched a campaign to reinstate a popular lollipop man who was suspended after paying a mother and daughter a COMPLIMENT while on duty.
More than 300 people are backing the 'Bring Back Colin the Lollipop Man' petition
Lollipop man Colin Thompson, 71, made what he deemed to be a complimentary remark to a mother and daughter at his crossing in Bridlington, Yorks.
But another parent walking behind the pair overheard him and lodged a complaint about his 'inappropriate' comment, leading to his suspension by East Riding Council.
Grandfather Mr Thompson, who has been the lollipop man at Burlington Junior and Burlington Infant schools for four years, now faces a council investigation.
More than 300 people are backing the 'Bring Back Colin the Lollipop Man' petition which was launched by mother-of-three Mary Green.
Freedom of speech and everything has been taken away from you - you can't compliment anyone now
Ms Green, 47, said: "The woman and her child didn't complain, it was someone else. If they had done, fair enough. It's just getting ridiculous.
"Freedom of speech and everything has been taken away from you - you can't compliment anyone now."
Mr Thompson insists that the person who complained must have misunderstood what he believed to be a complimentary comment to a mum and her daughter who is thought to be 11.
Mr Thompson has been the lollipop man at Burlington Junior and Burlington Infant school four years
Parent Mandy Harvey helped to organise the petition to reinstate Mr Thompson
He said: "I think it's a misunderstanding on her part. She's got the wrong end of the stick - I didn't say anything wrong. I was being complimentary."
The retired joiner said he was shocked to learn of his suspension last week.
He said: "I was gutted. I thought whatever have I done wrong? I just want to get back to work."
Mr Thompson insists that the person who complained must have misunderstood what he said
The retired joiner said he was shocked to learn of his suspension last week
Ms Green said that Mr Thompson is a well-liked fixture at the school crossing and gets on well with pupils and parents.
She said: "I want him back where he belongs - the kids love him.
"I've known Colin all my life and most of us know him one way or another as parents.
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"He's the only lollipop man I know who gives kids lollipops. He high-fives them, he's just so lovely to them all.
"Some kids don't like school, but he gives them a high-five and it makes them smile."
An East Riding Council spokesman said: "It is not council policy to comment on an individual member of staff and crossing patrols at the school are continuing."