COUNCILLORS have called on traffic officers to take a close look at congestion around a school on Darlington Road, in Richmond.

There are already plans in the pipeline to change the bus parking arrangements in the area, although not everyone has welcomed the proposals.

Neighbours claim a new coach park on Richmond School campus would ruin their view of green fields from their windows while others claim it would not necessarily make the roads safer.

However, Richmond Town Council said it was concerned that the county council may make a decision at a meeting next month without taking account of the wider issues.

Town councillor and area committee member, Tom Burrows, said: "I am particularly worried about the side roads in the area. I know, at peak times, the fire service cannot get its appliances into some areas, which is a major concern.''

Town and district councillor John Harris said parents should walk to collect their children. "It's a matter of educating as many people as we can to consider walking to collect their children," he said.

Committee members suggested the introduction of stiffer parking controls, more space for cars outside the school gates and a 20mph speed limit along parts of Darlington Road.