A beloved lollipop lady who helped generations of children cross the road safely has been forced to step down after 48 years of service, following a decision by Lewisham Council to end school crossing patrols.
Sheila Richards, 88, has been a constant presence outside John Stainer Primary School in Lewisham for nearly half a century.
Come rain or shine, she was there – smiling, waving, and proudly holding her lollipop sign as she guided children and parents across the road.
On Friday, July 18, Sheila completed her final day in the role, heartbroken by the reality of being removed from the job she has dedicated much of her life to.
The decision comes as part of a wider review of school crossing patrols by Lewisham Council amid ongoing budget cuts.
Sheila told the News Shopper: “There’s nothing at all wrong with me.
“I’ve got my brain and I’m lucky really.”
Born in Bermondsey in 1937, Sheila has lived through war, raised a family, and built a remarkable life of service.
She now lives in Hither Green and has worked as a lollipop lady at John Stainer since the 1970s.
Sheila said: “They put it through to the council and I’ve been on it for 48 years.
“I used to stand outside shops which have now been converted into flats.
“I am very well known as I have been here a number of years.”
A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said the decision to end school crossing patrols has “not been taken lightly” and they understand that this has been an emotive issue for parents, carers and residents.
The spokesperson added: “Sheila Richards almost 50 years of service for Lewisham will leave a lasting mark on many of our local residents, some of whom, now take their own children to her school each day.
“Her contribution to the safety of children in our community over so many years is exemplary.
“We know that this has been an emotive issue for parents, carers and residents, and we have been heartened to hear the reflections from the community that have been sent to us describing the commitment and dedication of our lollipop people.”
Sheila’s work through the years has touched thousands of families in the area.
She’s been featured in a documentary, met the late Queen, and was previously covered by the News Shopper for her 42nd anniversary in the role.
Now, as she nears what should be a celebratory retirement, there’s a deep sense of sadness and frustration at how it’s ending.
She said: “I’ve got bills to pay, where I live have to pay a service charge.
“Money is not everything.
“What’s £20 now down the shops?
“I used to have a bacon sandwich every day; I shan’t do that when I don’t have a job.”
For Sheila, this has never been just a job – she looks forward to each school day, connecting with the children and their parents, and keeping the community safe.
“The roads are getting so busy now,” she said.
“They want to put lights on the crossings, but how long will that take?”
Sheila’s grandson Ashley Crichlow is one of many proud family members who want to see her efforts recognised properly.
He told the News Shopper: “I am super proud of her – obviously she’s done a lot for the community and it’s really remarkable to see how many generations of lives she’s changed.
In 2004, when Sheila took her first trip abroad, someone even recognised her in Barbados from her work as a lollipop lady.
“She’s well known in the community and has made a real impact,” Ashley added.
Ashley, who now lives in Kidbrooke, visits his grandmother as much as he can.
He added: “She’s not a homebody.
“She loves going to Lewisham – as long as she can do it, she’ll always go out.
“She could have done it for a couple more years.”
Since Sheila began her patrol, there hasn’t been a single accident on her crossing.
Her presence alone, Ashley said, is enough to make drivers slow down.
“People know she’s there as a physical figure, so people are more unlikely to speed around there,” he said.
A Lewisham Council spokesperson said: “Lewisham Council places pedestrian safety, especially for schoolchildren, at the highest priority.
“The decision to end school crossing patrols has not been taken lightly.
“In 2019, we began reviewing school crossing safety. These reviews showed that with investment in permanent measures, such as traffic lights, zebra or puffin crossings, and school streets, we could provide safer, round-the-clock alternatives without needing patrols.
“The proposal was scrutinised in 2022 and 2023, with agreement that changes would only follow installation of appropriate safety schemes.
“By September 2025, all sites will have a controlled crossing or be part of a school street. The Council will implement the agreed changes from the end of this school year in July.”
“We’ve supported affected staff throughout, and they’ve been aware of these proposals since 2019.
“We’ve also been in direct correspondence with schools that have been constructive and accepting.
“Lewisham Council remains committed to pedestrian safety.
“We have the most school streets in London (55), with nine more planned over the next three years, part of our ongoing work to create safe, traffic-free spaces around school gates.”
