A HEADTEACHER says there is “an accident waiting to happen” outside her Stourport school.

Sue Helps, head at St Bartholomew’s Primary School, Princess Way, says cars parked on the road opposite the junction with Chesshire Avenue block the traffic.

It means large vehicles such as vans and buses are forced to mount the pavement, causing a danger to pedestrians, including school children.

Worcestershire County Council said it was aware of the problem.

Mrs Helps said: “A high volume of parked cars means children and parents with buggies trying to cross the road have obscured vision. It is dangerous and there is an accident waiting to happen.

“Large vehicles mount the pavement which means sometimes parents have to come off the path and into the road.”

According to the headteacher, cars ignoring the road’s 30mph speed limit are increasing the danger.

“We have been trying to get a 20mph speed limit for years,” she said. “Checks have found cars to and from the school average 19mph but it is when speed is not being monitored that I worry.”

Mrs Helps said she had written to parents in the school’s newsletter to raise awareness of the issue.

“I worry about the children’s safety,” she added. “My priority is to keep pupils within the school safe, it is my first responsibility.”

Conservative Stourport town councillor Ken Henderson said he had received complaints from residents and parents and was pushing for double yellow lines.

He added: “I am worried about emergency services, I have seen it myself with the fire brigade struggling to get through. What if there was a fire at the school?

“My concerns are the safety of the children, pedestrians and emergency services. Something needs to be done.”

County council member for highways and transport, Conservative councillor John Smith, said: “We are in the process of reviewing the situation, working in partnership with the fire and rescue service and police.

“If parking restrictions are considered necessary we will look to implement a solution that improves safety while balancing the needs of residents.”

Ian Gwillam, chairman of governors at the school, said it was a serious problem.

He said: “Fire engines and ambulances are struggling to get through, it is an absolute nightmare.

“Our school will have a bigger intake this summer and there will be more parents and we will be taking more trips out so we are concerned about it.”

Mrs Helps added: “Something needs to happen and I am glad it is now being taken seriously.”