“Undisciplined” parents are causing “bedlam” in roads around primary schools in Burnham, a council meeting heard.

The state of parking in roads around Burnham Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School have been criticised by residents as “irresponsible” and “dangerous” in recent months.

At a town council meeting in January, Burnham resident John Hitcham appealed to the council to act upon the state of parking at the schools on Marsh Road and Dunkirk Road during the peak periods of 9am and 3pm.

He said: “Can I ask the Burnham Town Council to put some effort into improving the undisciplined parking situation at the primary schools in the town, which can build up to complete bedlam during drop-off times.

“Pavements and roads surround the school entrances will be clogged up with many parents dropping their children off at school, which can lead to desperate parking in irresponsible and dangerous locations.

“It’s been highlighted by many worried residents and parents before that if it carries on, it could lead to accidents and injuries.”

Mr Hitcham proposed an idea of having specific zones where parents could drop and collect their children, which he claimed worked wonders at his grandchildren’s school.

He added: “My grandchildren go to school in Croydon, and when I was there they had specific drop-off zones where parents would drop their children off in a specific place, whereby two members of school staff would escort them into the school entrance.

“They wouldn’t be allowed to park anywhere else, and everything ran so smoothly with no jams or clogged pavements. Perhaps an operation like this would work well for Burnham.”

Kelly Stock, head teacher at Burnham Primary School, said: "There are indeed continuing problems arising from parking outside both local Primary schools in Burnham.

"We are now seeking the help of the Town Clerk and Maldon Council, not only to deal with the inconsiderate and dangerous parking itself but also the abuse/threatening behaviour to staff seeking to persuade people not to obstruct the road adjacent to the school entrance.

"So far it has been confirmed to us that the signposting and road markings outside the school are clear and correct. Currently we now have members of staff including the headteacher at the entrance of the school for arrival /departure to try to reduce the risks.

"The issue is now being passed to the NAP meeting to discuss and will also be raised at the BTC Councillor’s surgery. We are also investigating whether the School could be included in the Community Safety Partnership’s initiative.

"The walking bus used to be in place at the school but was unsuccessful as parents continued to park right outside the school gates. We hope to have support from the council before a child gets hurt.

"In the meantime we have organised some road safety assemblies to encourage children to be more careful."