A QUINTON lollipop man is seething after being lauded by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham for his work only to be told weeks later he and his colleagues are having their wages slashed.

Allan Steel, who has patrolled the crossing on West Boulevard for six years, was invited to Birmingham Council House to celebrate fifty years of school crossing patrols.

However, the 72-year-old was shocked weeks later to be told his wages would be cut by £183 a year by Birmingham City Council as part of a scheme to only have crossing patrols during term time.

He said: "Over 100 lollipop ladies and men went to the Council House just before Christmas and we were all told we were doing a great job and thanked for our service.

"Then we find out that our wages are being cut which is is a real kick in the teeth after getting such praise from the Lord Mayor Cllr Mike Leddy and our bosses."

He added: "It is going to hit some of the pensioners who do the job really hard."

Birmingham City Council will implement the changes in the Spring.

A council spokesman said: "We have consulted extensively with staff and trades unions regarding the adoption of a consistent method of calculating term time only working arrangements across the council, including one-to-one meetings with the small number of affected staff."

The spokesman added: "Following the consultation a decision was made to adopt a single calculation of pay for those working term time only.

"We do understand the concern that this may cause and will continue to support those affected."