Irene had fought for better schoolchildren's crossings on Walmersley Road in the 1960s.
Irene Allen, a former lollipop lady, was struck by a van on Walmersley Road in Bury and was transported to the hospital with significant head injuries. She lost consciousness again before passing away on December 11th, five days later. The tragic irony of this incident is that the octogenarian lost her life on a street she had fought to make safer, per ITV News.
In a touching Facebook post, Manchester Police paid tribute to Bury's "first lollipop lady." Melanie, Irene's daughter, emphasized the "tragic irony" of the collision's site in the Facebook post, noting that her mother had fought for better schoolchildren's crossings on Walmersley Road in the 1960s. In a tribute to Irene, her daughter Melanie said, “Irene was a much loved ex-medical receptionist at Ribblesdale House and AgeUK Jubilee Centre committee member."
In order to assist pedestrians, traffic control staff such as crossing guards, lollipop ladies, crosswalk attendants, and school road patrol are frequently stationed on congested streets. They halt the flow of traffic to allow people to cross an intersection; they are frequently associated with elementary school students.
Melanie shared that her mother actively campaigned for safer crossings for school children on Walmersley Road in the 1960s. "Always putting others before herself, in the mid-1960s Irene complained to Bury Council about the lack of safe crossings for school children across the busy Walmersley Road, and became the newsworthy first lollipop lady in Bury," she wrote. "This tragic irony sits with us today."
Irene, a devoted walker and Rawtenstall Cricket supporter, is survived by a daughter, three granddaughters, and a community that will miss her sunny personality. The driver, a 26-year-old man, stayed at the scene after the collision to help police, according to an earlier report from Greater Manchester Police. He was detained on suspicion of causing major harm while driving carelessly and has since been released while the matter is being looked into. Detectives are still pleading with any witnesses to come forward. They are especially interested in speaking with anyone who may have a dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage of the collision or the seconds just before it.
People expressed condolences under the Facebook post, with a user sharing that they knew Irene. Annette Knowles commented, "I remember Irene at the Doctors and agree yes she was much thought of as a caring and helpful lady. So sad to read this has happened. Thinking of her family!" Another user, Donna Greenacre, commented, "Rip Irene sleep tight thinking of her family I remember Irene from when she worked at ribblesdale house!"
References:
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=540450421443848&set=a.313544370801122
Cover Image Source: Facebook | Greater Manchester Police
