POLICE are stepping in to help children cross a main road after pedestrian crossing lights were turned off next to Weymouth's busiest school.

But officers, who responded after parents complained about Wessex Water's decision to turn off the lights outside the Wey Valley School, cannot guarantee a daily presence.

The crossing is out of action while Wessex Water replaces a water main along Dorchester Road.

The company said it was necessary to turn off the lights to help the flow of traffic - already being held up by temporary traffic lights a few hundred yards north of the crossing.

But both the school and parents are angry that the water company announced it was going to turn the lights off only at the last minute.

Headteacher Marcia Headon and her deputies have donned fluorescent jackets given to them by Dorset County Council and helped children to cross the road.

A county council spokesman said it would take at least five weeks to put a lollipop person in place because of criminal record checks.

Acting Sergeant Yvonne Beven, of Weymouth police, said officers would be helping children to cross the road when they are available.

She said: "We are trying to get officers out to the crossing between 8am-8.30am and 3pm-3.30pm.

"I have been speaking to the school and have also been contacted by parents who are concerned that there was no notice that the lights were being turned off."

Act Sgt Beven warned: "The traffic is chaotic when the children are using the crossing and the visibility is reduced because of the amount of buses on the road.

"I would urge children to be extremely cautious when crossing the road. Be patient and don't run.

"Motorists should also be aware that children will be crossing and they should let them cross when they can."

Headteacher Mrs Headon said she was pleased police were offering support.

She said: "We don't break up until next Friday so until then I just hope the children will be careful. If they are crossing the road they must stop and look."

A spokesman for Wessex Water said: "We would like to apologise to parents and in hindsight we would have arranged for more notice.

"We will be writing to all parents apologising and explaining that it may be when children go back to school the lights may not be working for a short while."