The Department of Transport has said it will not comment on any personnel issues.

However, in a first statement since the row over the school crossing at Marown started, it says its officers are continuing to investigate ways of improving road safety there.

It says there are practical difficulties in installing traffic lights on the A1 at that part of the TT course and the matter was investigated last year. Plans for lights were shelved after the recuitment of a school crossing patrol officer to assist children across the Peel Road, which is what they term the 'prescribed school crossing'.

There has been anger from parents after the 'lollipop man' was suspended after helping children over the Glen Darragh road as well as the Peel Road.