A row has erupted between neighbours and the parents of pupils at a girl’s prep school over a footpath.
The argument has centred around St Hilda’s Preparatory School for Girls in Bushey, Hertfordshire.
Residents of Meadowcroft cul-de-sac are battling with St Hilda’s parents using a private road to park for school pickup and drop off.
The estate is adjacent to the school and connected by a footpath, which makes it an ideal parking spot for parents.
St Hilda’s Prep School
Google Maps
However, tensions have been bubbling over the summer with one resident taking to blocking off the footpath with their car.
Graffiti has also appeared at the site with the words “private road” appearing painted at the road entrance, reports The Telegraph.
About 18 months ago, ANPR cameras were installed to discourage parents from parking and £100 penalty charges started appearing in the post.
However, parents have hit back, saying they just want to drop their children off safely.
The entrance to the cul-de-sac is used by parents (file pic)
Google Maps
One parent, who received two fines totalling £120 for parking there last year, said: “We completely respect the residents’ right to privacy and we don’t want to intrude.
“Parents are genuinely worried for their children’s safety and we just want to take our children to and from school.”
A41-year-old father, who was not named, added: “Now we have to park on the other side and navigate quite an extremely busy road every day.
“I don’t think we cause any disruption by walking through the area.”
He claimed there had been further verbal clashes recently as parents continued to use the street for summer activities.
A spokesperson from Hertfordshire County Council told GB News: “Hertfordshire County Council has been made aware of parking issues near St Hilda’s Prep School in Bushey and we will be investigating the matter thoroughly.”
GB News has approached St Hilda’s school for comment.
