The SNP group for the area today refused to raise an emergency motion put forward by socialist councillor Jim Bollan to save a lollipop man's high fives.

Cllr Bollan submitted the motion to the SNP asking for their support after Nkosana Mdikane was told he could no longer high five children on their way to Aitkenbar and St Peter's Primary School.

Cllr McColl told the Reporter: "We didn't feel there was a need to, looking at the way things have gone, the advice to Nkosana has been clarified, he has not been told to stop high fiving, just that his primary focus should be road safety."

"We didn't feel it was an emergency to put forward to a committee, Jim is open to raise it at the full council if he wishes.

"We feel the situation has been resolved. He has been told it's not not giving high fives, it is road safety that is primary concern.

The council previously stated that: “All patrollers are instructed when crossing children over a road to remain static with one hand on their stick and the other stretched outwards. This ensures that they can be seen and effectively provides a barrier between school pupils and the traffic.” When the Reporter put this to McColl he said: "I can only go on what I'm told by the Chief Exec. The SNP are all for a common sense approach to be applied here, there's nothing wrong with the guy giving kids a high five.

"If I'm told by senior council officers, it has been blown out of proportion, I've got to take that at face vaue.

"We've got to see what happens in practice. I have every confidence, if not we have a council meeting at the end of April and it can be raised then."

If backed, the motion would have been raised today at an Infrastructure and Regeneration Committee meeting.

David Dufton who started the Save the High Fives petition says he is confused about the council’s position. He said: “I was surprised that the SNP hadn’t backed it because Jonathan McColl was very vocal about it at first and helpful with advice. I don’t know now, from what I’m reading he is allowed to high five again, maybe the SNP haven’t backed it because it’s not an issue any more. "The council have not acknowledged the petition and there has been no clarification on what their position is.” Socialist councillor for Leven, Jim Bollan told the Reporter: "Extremely disappointed with the SNP stance on this issue which is supported by a majority of parents and the wider community. The SNP's weak acquiescence to senior officers demonstrates how shallow they are politically. Their unwillingness to question and scrutinise what senior officers are up to also displays a complete lack of understanding of what the role of an official opposition on the Council is. I am certain the "Save the High Fives" campaign will continue until this decision, which lacks common sense, is overturned. I will continue to support the groups efforts 100%."

A council spokesman said: “We love the fact our traffic crossing patrollers interact with parents and children every morning and afternoon and believe this is an important part of the job. The safe place to do this, according to national safety guidance, is on the pavement before or after exiting the crossing. While on the crossing the patroller should remain static with one hand on their stick and the other stretched outwards. This ensures that they can be seen and effectively provide a visible barrier between school pupils and the traffic.”