Residents furious after 'illegal' parking outside Darlington school

Holy Family RC Primary School on Prior Street, in Cockerton, has had complaints from those living nearby due to parents parking irresponsibly and “illegally” when picking up children at home-time.

The issue is made worse as there are two primary schools in very close proximity to each other, the other being St Mary’s Church of England Primary on Newton Lane, meaning the area between the two streets and the surrounding area gets very congested at pick-up time.

One Cockerton resident, who chose to be anonymous, told The Northern Echo: “It’s every single day. There are a lot of elderly people living round here and often they can’t get passed on the pavements because the cars are taking up all the room, they shouldn’t have to walk out int the road to get past.

“Also, sometimes people park right across driveways so people can’t get out.”

Cars blocking pavement at Cockerton Green. Picture: Ann Spraylight (Image: Ann Spraylight)

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“I know people have to pick up their kids, but maybe they should park at either of the Co Ops in the village and walk down, it’s not very far.”

Cockerton Green and Delphine Court were also highlighted as areas where parking was “getting out of control.”

Labour Cllr for Cockerton, Jan Cossins, said: “The parking in Prior Street is absolutely appalling.

“Obviously it is worse on school run time as there are two schools in close proximity, St Mary's as well as Holy Family.

“There have been times when parents have parked in the middle of the road on Prior Street and Prior Dene.

“We have had a number of complaints over the years and had Civic Enforcement on duty to monitor the situation as often as possible.”

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Jane Weatherall, Head Teacher at Holy Family RC Primary School, said: “We regularly contact parents via our newsletter and messaging apps to ask parents to park in appropriate places and be mindful of our school neighbours.”

Anna Willey, ASB & Civic Enforcement Manager for Darlington Borough Council, said: “We are aware of the issues and have been providing patrols where possible.

“Unfortunately, our civic enforcement officers cannot be present every day as many other schools across the borough have reported similar parking concerns.

“We are working closely with colleagues in our highways team and have launched a pilot project in order to try and tackle school parking problems in the longer term.

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“We would urge parents, if you’re on the school run to please park safely and think about those around you! Inconsiderate parking outside schools, not only poses a danger for children and pedestrians, but causes problems for residents, the emergency services and the environment.

“It’s also very frustrating for schools and residents and so we’re asking you to think about where you park and even consider getting active by walking or cycling instead.

“You can report issues by contacting the community safety team on 01325 406999 or email customerservices@darlington.gov.uk”