Residents' call for no-waiting restrictions around St Walburga’s Primary School (From Thisisdorset)

Residents' call for no-waiting restrictions around St Walburga’s Primary School

5:00pm Tuesday 24th April 2012 in Latest By Melanie Vass

CAMPAIGNING residents are calling for no-waiting restrictions around a Bournemouth school to clamp down on inconsiderate parking by parents and school staff.

People living near St Walburga’s Primary School in Malvern Road, Moordown claim they are regularly blocked in their drives by teachers and parents dropping off or collecting pupils and fear the problems will get worse as the school expands over the next few years.

Now they have enlisted the support of their local ward councillors to push for the creation of a 20mph zone around the Roman Catholic school, together with parking restrictions and tough enforcement.

At a residents’ meeting at Moordown Community Centre, Richard Harris, of Malvern Road, said: “We happen to live right opposite the school. This morning at 8.30am, our drive was blocked, my neighbour’s drive was blocked and there were two cars parking on the bus stop.

“When you go and speak to them, the verbal abuse you get is unbelievable.”

Neighbour Jamie Hoff said: “I’ve been blocked in my drive on numerous occasions. I’ve had to phone the police before because I can’t physically get out of my drive and go to work.”

And Sharon Brake, also of Malvern Road, said: “We’ve been very fortunate in our road that we have not had a serious accident that has caused serious injury to a child. The situation at the moment is simply not safe.”

Moordown councillor Beverley Dunlop said: “I think the school has to play a part and take a lead in this. We must be able to fix this with a little bit of control, a little bit of enforcement and a little bit of work with the school.”

And fellow ward councillor Sue Anderson said: “We’ve got to find a solution that suits everybody and is do-able. Parents and staff just need to be courteous and accept they might have to walk a bit to get to school.”

Robert Dare, headteacher at St Walburga’s, said: “I regularly remind parents to be considerate where they park but it’s a problem for all schools, not just us.

“I would be surprised if staff were parking inconsiderately, that’s not something I am aware of. I can sympathise with residents and if we can help in any way then we will do.”

John Satchwell, the council’s road safety manager, said: “A 20mph zone in the area of St Walburga’s School is included on a prioritised list of works.

“These improvement works will form part of a future delivery programme as funds become available.”

What you say

• Mum-of-one Mrs Anne Marie Gough told the Daily Echo: “I never park across driveways but you have to be prepared to park a long way from school and walk. I do sympathise with residents who can’t get in and out of their drives.”

• Ebru King, 34, whose daughter Wednesday, 10, and seven-year-old son Casey attend St Walburga’s, said: “I agree with local residents; inconsiderate parking is a problem.

“Most parents park responsibly.”