Traffic chaos at primary school

The lorry was unable to turn around, which prevented families arriving in cars from getting to the school gates while those already inside were unable to come back out. The problem was compounded by a teacher telling the driver he had to move the lorry to allow a minibus carrying disabled children through to the school. The driver explained this was not possible because so many cars were parked on the pavements and behind him in the road. Resident Kevin Dillistone told the Observer about the incident which he believes is just another example of the ongoing problem of increased traffic in Shepherds Close, Churchill Avenue and Birkdale, which causes frustration and concern for residents. He blamed parents for driving up to the school to drop off children rather than using nearby car parks and walking up. He also claimed as the school has increased in size the problem of congestion has become worse and would, for instance, be a major obstacle if an ambulance was required urgently at one of the homes in the neighbourhood. He said: "Although there are adequate car parks both at the recreation ground and behind the Catholic church, still a large number of parents insist on driving their children to as close to the school as possible, thus causing tremendous bottlenecks. "Local residents in Shepherds Close, Churchill Avenue and Birkdale '“ all affected by such inconsiderate driving '“ have for a long time complained to the school and voiced their fears that if an ambulance was required during these times, then it would be virtually impossible for it to attend the emergency." He said he himself witnessed the "mayhem" caused by the delivery van becoming stuck and said parents had sworn and been abusive. He added: "At the end of the day it is the children who suffer. "What child wants to see their mum or dad lose their temper and swear and cuss at other people who are only doing their job? "How embarrassing it must be for them. "This action is also depriving the children of a bit of daily exercise in a climate of computer games and television which is seeing more and more children becoming obese through lack of exercise, as recognised by responsible adults everywhere." Mr Dillistone said that assurances were made in the past when head teacher David Pratt was applying for an extension to the school and told neighbours that parents would be prevented from driving in for drop-offs. He said: "Once he got the building done he never did it. "That angered the residents more than anything, being promised something that was never delivered on." There are 650 pupils at the school and approximately 100 staff. Deputy head Louisa Michie commented: "Little Common School actively discourages parents from using the Shepherds Close entrance to the school. "There is a notice at the end of the road asking people not to enter without a permit. "We regularly carry out spot checks on permit holders and have worked closely with the police in order to monitor parking around the school. "As parking in the square and surrounding area is not discouraged with the use of double yellow lines or anything similar, we as a school are not in a position to enforce any parking restrictions."