NEIGHBOURS of a Droitwich Spa school are suffering daily abuse from school-run parents causing chaos in their quiet close, it has been claimed.

Parking problems at St Joseph's RC School are getting worse by the week, according to Droitwich Spa town councillor John Cook.

He said parents block access to St Joseph's Close twice daily and fears emergency vehicles would struggle to get through.

"We definitely need double yellow lines and I think we should be looking at options to create a car park nearby - possibly off Ombersley Way," Coun Cook told Droitwich Town Council's planning committee.

"The parents obviously won't park away from the school and walk, so we need to find an alternative."

Committee chairman Terry Spencer explained it was an issue at schools across Droitwich.

The town's Mayor, Jan Bolton, said it was a nightmare for residents, a lot of whom are suffering verbal abuse from parents who park outside their homes.

Highway chiefs

St Joseph's headteacher Kate Hill said the school had been working with highway chiefs and the police to tackle its parking problem. There was a suggestion to create parking off Ombersley Way, but the school could not afford it.

"We do encourage parents to park at Droitwich Sports and Leisure Centre and many of them do. I am aware some parents have parked in Wey Close, where there are spaces which are not entirely designated for residents," she said.

"This has caused some tension."

A St Joseph's Close householder admitted she often asks parents to move cars blocking her drive.

"They are stupid," she said. "They park on both sides of the close and Ombersley Way, making it congested and dangerous.

"It makes me wonder if these people have ever read the Highway Code.

"Some parents seem to think they have a God given right that their children don't have to walk to school - even though its good exercise.

"I'm not sure about a car park on Ombersley Way - it could attract lorries or gangs of kids. A school bus service might be better."