FEARS are growing in Overton that the village could lose a vital school crossing guard if the position is not filled in the near future.

At a meeting last month, Overton parish councillors discussed the possibility that Hampshire County Council could close the application process for the position, which covers the High Street in the village.

The two-hour daily position has been vacant for over 18 months and there are growing concerns among councillors that it may soon be deemed unnecessary due to the nearby pedestrian crossing.

Parish councillor Adam Trickett said: “In the tough financial times the county finds itself, it has to ensure that it is spending its road safety budget in the most efficient way.

“If no applicant can be found to act as a crossing patrol person, especially when there is a signalled crossing nearby, then they may decided that no crossing person is required at all.

“I fully understand what the county is thinking but it would be regrettable to permanently lose a patrol person for want of an applicant.

“The parish council and the school have both actively sought an applicant for the position, so far with no luck.”

Despite the fears, HCC has assured residents it is “actively seeking” to fill the position.

A spokesman said: “The position is being advertised again and we are working with the school and the local community to help publicise the opportunity.”

The job, which involves up to an hour of work in the morning and another hour in the evening, pays a starting salary of £7.56 an hour and includes a safety uniform.

For more information or to apply contact Brian Cainey in the Hampshire School Crossing Patrol Office on 01962 846200 or go to hants.gov.uk/newjobs.

The closing date for applications is 19 April.