Colin the Lollipop Man who fought council over being banned from high-fiving school kids has died

A 'happy-go-lucky' lollipop man who won a battle with Stockport council after they banned him from high-fiving children has died at the age of 84.

Colin Spencer was a much-loved figure at St George's C of E Primary School in Heaviley, Stockport, where he worked for nearly 15 years.

He passed away early this morning after a battle with cancer.

Philip Scott-Shurety, Colin's stepson, said his step-father was loved at the school and that the children were 'heartbroken' when he left.

Colin was banned from high-fiving the children after the council said he could cause a 'disruption', but the council later apologised and said they had been 'wrong' (MEN Media)

"He was such a happy-go-lucky guy, genuinely full of life and soul.

"He was just a child in an adult's body."

"He didn't do the job for the money, but because he loved it," Mr Scott-Shurety said.

Lollipop man Colin Spencer has been told to stop high fiving children as they cross the road

Last year Stockport council banned Colin from giving high-fives to youngsters crossing the road as they said it was a 'disruption'.

However, after an outcry from parents the council apologised and Colin returned to work in March 2018.

Colin was described as 'happy-go-lucky' and used to high-five all the children on their way to school (MEN Media)

Mr Scott-Shurety said Colin left shortly after his return because of concerns about his eyesight and hearing, but he remained in the council's employment until his death.

He added: "When he left the school the children were heartbroken."

 

Before becoming a lollipop man, Colin was a jack-of-all-trades businessman who owned a taxi company and several chip shops.

Colin leaves behind his loving partner, Jean Scott, as well as 13 grandchildren who all 'adored' him.

"Jean is my mother and she and Colin were neighbours for ten years," Mr Scott-Shurety said.

"They were just friends to start with. She was just coming up to her 70th birthday and he was 72 and he asked if they could be together. My mum absolutely adored him.

"I've got kids of my own and a couple of grandchildren - the children absolutely loved him and they called him granddad lollipop.

"He asked me six weeks ago to do all the arrangements for his funeral, and he bought a card with a lollipop man that he wants to be kept with him."

Colin bought this card with a lollipop man puppet and asked his step-son to keep it with him after his death - a reflection of how much he loved his job (Family handout)

A Stockport Council spokesperson said: “We’re very sad to hear that one of our colleagues has passed away.

“Our thoughts are with Colin’s family at this difficult time."