Tributes paid to Bury's first lollipop lady who died after being hit by a van

Tributes have been paid to Bury's first lollipop lady who died after being hit by a van on Walmersley Road.

Irene Allen, 87, died at Salford Royal Hospital from her injuries last Sunday (11th December) after a serious road traffic collision on Tuesday 6th December. 

The tribute from her daughter tells of her 'sunny personality' as well as how Irene complained to Bury Council in the mid-1960s of the lack of safe crossing for children on Walmersley Road, and she became the 'newsworthy first lollipop lady in Bury.'

“Irene was a much loved ex-medical receptionist at Ribblesdale House and AgeUK Jubilee Centre committee member, Melaine said.

“The police are continuing to investigate the circumstances but a post mortem concluded that she died of multiple injuries caused by the collision.

“Irene, a keen walker and Rawtenstall Cricket fan, leaves behind a daughter and three grandchildren and a whole community who miss her sunny personality.

“Always putting others before herself, in the mid 1960’s 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.

“This tragic irony sits with us today.”

Andy Hazeldine, Chief Officer at AgeUK Bury, paid tribute to Irene, in their weekly newsletter. 

"We were saddened to learn that Irene Allen has passed away. Irene, aged 87, had been a member at the Jubilee Centre for many years, serving on the Friends of the Jubilee Committee and supporting our fundraising events.

"We will miss her friendship and positivity. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this sad time."

A Mercedes Sprinter van was travelling down the road when it collided with Irene close to the junction of Wolstenholme Avenue.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have footage, including dashcam, mobile phone or CCTV/doorbell footage from the area in the moments leading up to and before the collision took place.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident 1115 of 06/12/22.

Alternatively, details can be passed via the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.