'Lives at risk' claim over Newport school parking

People living on Wellington Road, where Newport Girls' High School is based, claim traffic is a "misery" during drop-off and pick-up times.

They say that it causes heavy traffic during peak times and could cost people their lives as emergency service vehicles cannot get through.

Ray Smith, who lives on the road, said an ambulance would not be able to reach any of his elderly neighbours if they were to fall over.

The 64-year-old said: "The traffic is terrible on Wellington Road and it has been for a while.

"I have spoken to the headteacher at the Girls High who has assured me she is looking into the issue, which I am sure she is.

"However, three of the sixth form students from the high school have been parking their cars outside my house for the whole day.

"I have politely asked them to move their cars, which they have, as it could stop an ambulance from getting to someone who needs it, but they have parked there again since.

"I just hope that no one on our road needs an ambulance, as it would struggle to get near to the house.

"I have spoken to my local councillor Eric Carter, who has told me he is looking into the situation and hopes to come up with an alternative solution.

"The students that park in the street are not breaking the law, as they have every right to park there, I just wish there was a bit of consideration."

Councillor Carter said was in talks with Newport Town Council as well as Telford & Wrekin Council and local police officer Lee Thomas about the issue.

But he says it could take a while for the problem to be solved.

West Mercia Police have also issued a number of letters to parents, highlighting the issues caused for residents.

Ros Garner, headteacher at Newport Girls' High School, said: "I have had one meeting with the council where I made several suggestions about how I thought the issue of parking could be addressed.

"I am not aware of another meeting but would be willing to discuss the situation further.

"I recognise the issue is not easy to solve and I understand the views of local residents and also of parents wishing to collect their children from school.

"The vast majority of our students walk or travel by bus and it is the safety of all our students on their way to and from school that I take very seriously.

"The school is working with the police to distribute information to try to find a satisfactory solution."