A BUSY Prudhoe road which serves four of the town’s schools has been left without a crossing patrol officer for a year, raising concerns for the safety of pupils.

The crossing on South Road serves St Matthew’s Primary School, Prudhoe West First School, Highfield Middle School and Prudhoe Community High School.

It has been unmanned since last summer as Northumberland County Council has struggled to recruit anyone to the role.

County councillor Gordon Stewart said: “There are a number of schools in the area, older people live in that area and construction traffic uses the road.

“Traffic is also increasing due to the number of houses being built in the area. It is a major issue and we would like to get it resolved.

“We’re also looking at other options, one of which could be some form of crossing.”

Northumberland County Council said it had promoted the post widely but had not received any applications.

A spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, despite our efforts, these positions have proved extremely difficult to recruit to.

“Although we do understand that this is a very busy road, it is not a statutory requirement for the council to provide school crossing patrols.

“We work with schools to promote road safety and to introduce other measures that will help to promote safe travel to school.”