A NEWPORT lollipop lady feels completely licked - she has to do the job of two people by covering five roads.

Suzanne Eames was hired to cross three roads, but every day she rushes around five streets that converge on a mini-roundabout near St Joseph's Primary.

A second lollipop lady who served the area finished last Christmas, and the council has not found a replacement.

The case highlights a shortage of lollipop staff throughout Gwent. The area needs an extra 68 workers to staff all its crossings. Monmouthshire has only 13 lollipop people to cover 35 sites.

Mrs Eames, 57, took up the post more than 12 years ago, but has found working alone over the past year very tough.

She said: "I first started when I was a full-time mum and wanted a bit of extra money. I like meeting the kids and chatting to people.

"I love the job but the council has to make it more attractive to others. There aren't enough hours to the job for some people. I work three hours a day for £5.67 an hour."

Mrs Eames, of Woodland Road, provides a crossing patrol for anyone requiring assistance at Church Road, Christchurch Road, Fairoak Avenue and two stretches of Duckpool Road.

She added: "I have to run around and it's taking a big chance in case I fall over. When it gets busy it's difficult to get round all the children as they have to wait for me. It's a very difficult crossing for them. They have to be aware of traffic coming from at least three directions. There have been a few crashes here."

Youngsters who rely on her include pupils from Durham Road Schools and St Julians Comprehensive.

Brenda Bispham, head teacher at St Joseph's Primary, said of the crossing area: "It's a minefield. It's got to be one of the most dangerous sites in Newport.

"This is an important job and we've tried getting parents interested in applying. We need someone to look after our children. Their lives are very precious."

And Councillor Ed Townsend, a governor at St Joseph's Primary, said: "Mrs Eames faces a virtually impossible task. The council needs to make the job more attractive by increasing hours or pay."

In March this year Pauline Stephens, of Blackwood, returned to her job as a lollipop lady after parents became worried about youngsters crossing Libanus Road. She left the job in November 2003 but Caerphilly council failed to find a replacement.