ILLEGAL and dangerous parking near schools will be tackled by a road safety group.

The Stanway Action Team has been campaigning to bring together key decision-makers from Colchester Council, North Essex Parking Partnership, Essex County Council and headteachers.

The recently introduced ‘Winstree Road Road Safety Working Group’ has put the focus firmly on road safety as a priority, and puts plans in motion allowing applications for additional funding for improvements in the area.

Kevin Bentley, Essex County Councillor for Stanway, said: “I am delighted after many years of dedicated campaigning by parents and local councillors, we are able to finally put together a solid foundation from which we can expand ideas and plans to move forward.

"With much-needed school places being added to Winstree Road and Chapel Road schools, it is vital everybody is on the same page and those instrumental in putting together the non-political working-group, remain dedicated to pursuance of solutions.”

MP Priti Patel welcomed the safety campaign and earlier last year gave her support.

Later this year the county council will be introducing the 3PR scheme to the Winstree Road area, to tackle illegal and dangerous parking near the school sites.