Mothers parking in a road after driving their children to school have been criticised by angry residents.

Resident Don Steady said Newnham Green in Maldon is blocked during All Saints' School starting and finishing hours because cars are double-parked on Highlands Drive.

Mr Steady said: "Newnham Green is a cul-de-sac off Highlands Drive occupied mainly by elderly residents.

"No way could an ambulance or fire engine get to any of the properties if there was a call-out.

"A resident who suffers from Parkinson's Disease was recently asked by a taxi driver to alight in Highlands Drive and walk the rest of the way home because the road was blocked.

"I have politely asked some drivers to show consideration but I have been met with abuse.

"Mothers often just stand around and chit chat. I would like to see them just drop off or pick up their children and leave the road."

Mr Steady added he went to see the police two years ago but was told that nothing could be done because the street did not have yellow lines and was a public road.

All Saints' School headteacher Rodney Eastham said he had sent letters to parents asking them to be careful in parking their cars.

He said: "There is congestion down Highlands Drive and there are problems with double parking.

"I have asked parents to be considerate in their parking but they've made the point that there is nowhere else to park.

"I can sympathise with them because since stringent parking measures were brought into the High Street and Fambridge Road they have not had a lot of choice.

"It's not just parents parking on the road but people who use the High Street leave their cars there all day as well."

Acting Sgt Barry Knights, of Maldon police, said parents should be parking responsibly but added residents should not be surprised that living near a school means traffic problems.

The Newnham Green traffic problem is the second of its kind to surface in Maldon during October.

Earlier this month parents and residents warned that Wantz Chase was a serious accident waiting to happen.The road serves Maldon County Primary school, a playgroup and a clinic.

Residents claimed the narrow road was heading for an accident because of the amount of traffic using it.

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