COUNCIL chiefs have banned a lollipop man from wearing Christmas hats while helping youngsters cross the road.

Paul Clevett claims he was threatened with the sack if he disobeyed orders.

East Sussex County Council told the 42-year-old to take off his novelty headwear – insisting it posed a health and safety risk and could cause an accident. The crossing patrol veteran wore a different Christmas hat when working outside Forest Row Primary School for each shift over the festive season.

But then he was told to leave the hats at home as they could distract a driver and cause them to crash.

Speaking exclusively to the Courier & Observer, Mr Clevett said: "I have been wearing these hats for the last ten years.

"All the kids love them and none of the parents have ever complained.

"Quite a few of them asked why I wasn't wearing one last week. I got a phone call saying I'm not meant to wear them. The council told me if I didn't take it off I would be fired. I felt absolutely gutted, especially considering the number of years I have worked there. It's terrible."

Mr Clevett began working at the Hartfield Road crossing in December 1996 and has never experienced any problems with his seasonal headwear before.

"Most of the drivers actually enjoy it," he said. "It's a real shame, because it was a tradition. The hats will remain in the attic for now."

Parents have expressed their anger at the council's decision. Clare Stockley said: "I am very upset about this. The children love him and my daughter loves to see which hat he has on in the morning.

"He is the gentlest man and his hats really make the children happy."

Paul Serafin added: "This is such a load of rubbish. He knows all the children by name and he is just getting into the Christmas spirit."

And Jane Stead said: "He's a real part of the community and the children really listen to him. I just think it's really sad."

The council has defended its stance.

An East Sussex County Council spokesman said: "We don't want to spoil anybody's fun, however, the safety of children, particularly on the roads, is a top priority.

"The law requires lollipop men and women to wear a uniform so they are visible and not cause a distraction to motorists approaching a school crossing.

"This might appear heavy-handed, but nothing should compromise the safety of children, motorists and our school crossing patrol staff."