A primary school head slammed parents he claimed were posing an "imminent and daily threat" to children and his school's reputation amid a row over parking.
Matthew White, headteacher at Much Woolton Catholic Primary School in Woolton, said a number of parents were "flouting" a parking ban in the streets around the school, on Watergate Lane, with some even hurling abuse at residents after they were pulled up on the issue. In a letter seen by the ECHO, Mr White said the "totally unacceptable" behaviour caused "a serious physical and mental health risk to every child."
In the letter, Mr White, warning the issue was "destroying" the school's reputation in the Woolton community, added: "This sets a shocking example to our children too. It tells them that it's ok to break the rules, it's ok to swear and rant at the public even if you're in the wrong."
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Parents and nearby residents had previously raised concerns about parking close to the school. Three roads surrounding the school were closed to parking in June 2022 in response to the concerns. Today a neighbour told the ECHO they welcomed Mr White's intervention and hoped it would help address the issue.
Mr White's letter said: "Within the last fortnight I have received four serious complaints about the behaviour of adults picking our children up from school, toward neighbourhood residents. I know of at least one near miss caused by cars blocking the corners of streets, of abuse being hurled at a resident as their driveway was blocked and couldn't get to work. Abuse happening in front of our children.
"All of the above are totally unacceptable."
A resident living close to the school raised their own concerns with the ECHO. They said: "After multiple complaints and concerns from some parents and local residents the school sent a letter to enforce the road closure.
"Unfortunately some parents, or what seems like half of the school, aren’t bothered about child safety measures and continue to drive fast, park in closed roads and on corners, driveways (and) mounting public footpaths so the matter is getting out of hand."
They added: "With the rushing, rain, dark nights, something horrible could happen. The school has made a strong statement in the letter and the fact the roads are now closed makes me think people just don’t care."
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