A concerned parent is urging "mindless" drivers to sit up and take notice of advice before a child is mown down and killed.

The father fears it is only a matter of time before there is a fatal accident outside Eversley Primary School, in Crest Avenue.

But Basildon Council claims it is not possible to put down road markings without the co-operation of the police - and parents.

Steve Watkins' eight-year-old son Phillip goes to the school. The 42-year-old father is not only worried for his safety, but for every child who goes to Eversley.

Mr Watkins, of Tyefields, Pitsea, said: "The entrance to the school is on a narrow cul-de-sac. Mindless parents constantly block the road and the view of the youngsters.

"They do not seem to realise it could one day be their child crossing between the parked cars who gets knocked down and killed. Who will they point the finger at then?

"There is a huge car park at the sports centre at the back of the school where the parents are asked to park. We have tried talking to the parents concerned and they are just not interested in listening.

"It would only take the council to paint some yellow lines to put a stop to the parking on the road. I do not believe they cannot do that to save a life."

Mr Watkins has the support of headteacher Catherine Gilmore whose letters to the police and council, she claims, have fallen on deaf ears.

She said: "This is something I discuss with every new intake of parents. We have a large car park nearby which they are asked to use.

"There are always lots of cars parked outside the school in the morning and afternoon. There is also the added problem of a fast and dangerous road nearby.

"I would like to see some yellow lines painted around the school to remind the parents to park in the appropriate place. Those children who live near the school should be able to walk in safety, without the worry of all the cars parked in the road.

"My fear is there is going to be a major accident soon. I have written to the police and council but have heard nothing back as yet."

A council spokesman said: "Of the 92 schools in the district, the majority have this same problem.

"Even if we put yellow lines down they need to be policed and parents need to take notice.

"A lot has to come down to the parents to park sensibly and take notice of the concerns of others.

"Our road safety officers are visiting schools all the time to encourage pupils to walk to school."

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