A COUNCILLOR has restated his fears that a child could be injured or killed if parents continue to park irresponsibly outside a village school.

Councillor Gerald Lee says he continues to be frustrated by the behaviour of motorists transporting youngsters to and from Heighington Primary School.

An action group was formed by Coun Lee last year to address the problem. The group has published a code urging parents of children in the village to walk them to school.

Those who need to use their cars have been asked not to converge on the crossroads outside the school and to park further away.

A bid is being made to reduce the 30mph limit on Hopelands and Millbank to 20mph to make it easier for youngsters to cross the road to get to school.

This could be complemented by a crossing which would improve access to Millbank.

Coun Lee said: "All the parents agree that we need to be concerned about the potential danger to children caused by irresponsible parking.

"People tell me the problem is improving, but there are still too many parents who are not getting the overall picture.

"The bottom line is we are still trying to get people to act sensibly. I would hate for someone to be hurt or killed and then for people to ask why nothing was done to prevent such a tragedy."

Steve Jones, a spokesman for Darlington Borough Council, said the authority was carrying out a survey of parking at schools as part of its Safe Routes to Schools campaign.

Children were also being encouraged to walk to school wherever possible.

Mr Jones said that money was available for highways improvements in some cases, although this was prioritised in terms of need.