A row over a 100-yard strip of tarmac next to a busy road in Cryers Hill has intensified after a nearby school claimed “dangerous” parking is putting their pupils at risk.

The strip, which lies by the side of Cryers Hill Road near Hughenden Valley, is currently occupied by at least two lorries and five cars which residents say are parked there long-term.

The area is commonly used by parents when dropping off and picking up their children from the nearby Great Kingshill C of E Combined School.

The school’s head teacher Joanne Garlick said: “We are very aware of the ongoing issues relating to parking and congestion around the drop off and collection times.

“This has been an ongoing issue for us for many years and until a suitable solution is found the situation will continue to be very dangerous for our pupils.

“We are very sympathetic to the plight of our local residents and our parents who have limited options available to them for parking and this is compounded when the layby is being used by business vehicles.

“The School has an alternative Travel Plan Committee who work tirelessly to encourage parents to use other means of getting their children to school, such as walking and cycling.”

But Councillor David Carroll from Bucks County Council – who lives in the area - thinks that leasing the land to Hughenden Parish Council might be a solution to the problem.

Cllr Carroll said: “The area was tarmacked about ten years ago with the express purpose to be used as school parking - it was not meant for people to park there long term.

“However what is currently happening is not against any rules so nothing illegal has gone on.

“I have been in talks with Mark Shaw, Cabinet member for Highways, who has been to see the problem first hand.

“We are thinking about leasing that bit of land so we would have more control over it.

“It is now in the hands of the cabinet members of Bucks County Council and I understand a decision is imminent.”