A LOCAL council is being asked to allow free parking in one of its car parks for a school park and walk scheme.

St Mary's RC Primary School, in Barnard Castle, is hoping Teesdale District Council will permit free usage of its Galgate car park for parents using the park and walk scheme.

The school has asked for 12 permits for parents which could only be used for approximately 30 minutes in the morning and the afternoon. It is anticipated parents dropping off and picking up their children from the school would congregate in the car park, and the children would walk to and from school in a "crocodile".

Noreen Youll, the county council's school travel plan advisor, has written to the district council, saying: "For parents who are required to drive their children to school, the car park at this location would make an ideal 'park and walk' and 'walking bus' site. This would greatly reduce congestion around the school gate and increase walking, especially among pupils, thus encouraging a healthier and more environmentally sustainable option of travelling to and from school."

The council's head of democratic service, Mike Dennis, has recommended the 12 permits are approved for a period of one year, until the Hole in the Wall car park, which is closer to the school, is upgraded.

However, he has warned: "Approval of this request could create a precedent in the event of any future similar requests.

"Members will be aware that the much larger Green Lane School is also relatively close to the Galgate Car Park."

The proposal will be discussed by the council's executive committee on Monday, at 2pm, in the council chamber, Teesdale House, Barnard Castle.