Bryan Broom, 77, has resigned after a council banned him from high-fiving children because it could be seen as grooming (Picture: MEN Media)

A popular lollipop man has resigned after a council banned him from high-fiving children because it could be seen as grooming.

Bryan Broom, 77, has been an ever-present fixture outside Kirk Ella St Andrew’s Community Primary School, in Hull, helping children and their parents cross the road for almost two decades.

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But after complaints were made about him high-fiving youngsters, Bryan made the difficult decision to hand in his notice earlier this week.

The 77-year-old said he felt he had to resign because he couldn’t work in the ‘present atmosphere’ following the complaints.


His resignation left the community shocked, with a a group of mums coming out in support of Bryan yesterday as they urged him to reconsider his decision.

The 77-year-old said he felt he had to resign because he couldn’t work in the ‘present atmosphere’ following the complaints. (Picture: MEN Media)

A banner was put up thanking Bryan for his dedication to the job and he was showered with presents and cards from young children and their parents, as people said their goodbyes to the hi-viz wearing lollipop man.



Bryan said. ‘It has been fantastic. I expected a bit of a fuss but it’s gone viral and I love it.

‘I’ve had chocolate, gin, wine – you name it, and I’ve had some really nice messages from children saying ‘please don’t go.’

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‘It’s been wonderful and I feel so humbled that people think so fondly of me.’

Caroline Woodcock, 37, was involved in making the banner to support Bryan. She labelled his decision to go as a ‘travesty.’

‘He is brilliant for the community. He is fantastic and we love him. We don’t want him to leave and we think it’s a real shame he has to go.

Earlier this week, Bryan said his time as a lollipop man had been ‘magic.’ (Picture: MEN Media)

‘He makes everybody laugh and puts a smile on all our faces.’

Emma Robinson, 43, is desperate for ‘brilliant’ Bryan to rethink his decision.

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‘He is a big part of the community and the children want to cross with him,’ she said.

‘His antics might be a distraction but in 20 years there has not been a single accident. He is brilliant and has to stay. Today was really said and we tried to make it happy for Bryan but we want him to change his mind and stay.’

Earlier this week, Bryan said his time as a lollipop man had been ‘magic.’

East Riding of Yorkshire Council said numerous complaints had been received regarding Bryan’s conduct. But ultimately none of these were upheld.

A spokesperson said yesterday: ‘The council had received a number of complaints from parents about the behaviour of Mr Broom.

‘These complaints were investigated but not upheld. Mr Broom is choosing to leave of his own accord and we wish him well in the future.’

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