PARENTS and councillors staged a road block to protest against inconsiderate parking and dangerous driving outside a school.
Yesterday's demonstration, on George Street, outside Lindley Junior and Infant School, marked the climax of a series of confrontations between angry parents.
Despite appeals from the school to drive and park considerately, the narrow street has been the site of several near accidents.
Staff have received reports of children being clipped by passing cars. One parent said she and her daughter were almost hit by a reversing car.
The congestion has also upset residents who have been unable to access their homes. Some have become embroiled in arguments with parents.
On Tuesday one frustrated resident parked her car across the narrow street barring it to motorists. The incident was allegedly received with applause.
During yesterday's protest, one woman who parked across the junction of George Street and Holly Bank, was asked by police to move her car.
Liz Wilson, who led the protest, said: "It's always been a problem because there's no parking. People can park elsewhere but they should not drive along here. The school has already said so but some people are driving along and dropping their kids off and it's a disgrace.
"The other day a mother nearly went under the back wheel of a car which was reversing.
"It's dangerous when there are 400 kids coming out of the junior school. It's not fair and we sympathise with residents."
Dawn Eaton, who has a daughter at the infant school, said: "A couple of nights ago I nearly got knocked down by a car reversing. It nearly took me and my daughter out."
Another parent, Kara Sherwood, said: "We want to make the road safer. It's not just about the parking but the speed."
Sue Drake, headteacher of Lindley Infant School, and Patricia Thompson, headteacher of Lindley Junior School, have expressed concern.
Mrs Drake said: "Miss Thompson and I are both deeply concerned about the dangerous situation.
"George Street is very narrow so parents and children have to walk in the road. It's impossible for parents with pushchairs and toddlers to stay on the pavement.
"There has been increased aggressive and angry confrontation. There has been a series of near misses. Children have been clipped by wing mirrors.
"The majority of parents are sensitive and manage the situation well, but there's a minority who don't. Despite several strongly worded letters, some parents are ignoring our requests.
"Both schools have set up two walking buses. We support Metro's Yellow Bus which many of our children use. We open early which has helped reduce congestion and both schools offer after school activities.
"We are concerned about the residents because they are getting very frustrated when they can't access their homes and they get harassed by parents.
"We are seeking an effective solution with the council highways department and the police.
"If people block the streets this could flare up and someone could get hurt. But we understand their concerns. We have a good relationship with parents and residents and we want that to continue."
Lindley Councillor Tony Woodhead said: "We're trying to get parents to be responsible. Let your children walk a short distance. It won't harm them. It's irresponsible for adults to have slanging matches in front of the children because they will hear all this effing and blinding."
