Crossing guard ordered to ditch costume

SOUTHAMPTON, England, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- A Southampton, England, crossing guard known for the extravagant seasonal costumes she wears while collecting for charity has been ordered not to dress up.

Margaret Russell, 54, was ordered by the City Council to wear her reflective coat while performing her crossing guard duties after two parents complained, The Daily Telegraph reported Wednesday.

Russell, who this year is collecting donations for the mayor of Southampton's appeal fund, said she was told that wearing fancy clothing that does not include her reflective vest poses a safety risk.

"I was pretty cheesed off when they told me because I'd spent a lot of time and effort on this year's

costume," she said. "Why am I suddenly a health and safety risk?"

"I can see the council's point but it makes you think why now after I've been doing this for 20 years. It just seems daft," Russell said.

A council spokesman said there are legal implications at play.

"If a crossing patrol supervisor does not wear a reflective jacket they are not insured and if hit, the motorist could not be prosecuted," he said.