'We park legally, stop harassing us,' say pupils (From Bucks Free Press)

'We park legally, stop harassing us,' say pupils

6:00pm Monday 21st May 2012 in Marlow By James Nadal

STUDENTS have accused residents of harassing them as the row over parking in residential streets escalates.

Sixth-formers at Sir William Borlase's School have reacted angrily to comments from ex-Mayor Derek Done.

He blasted teenagers for continually clogging up Harwood Road and surrounding streets all day Various residents have logged complaints with the school and The Marlow Society have also written to them about it.

They say it makes access for larger vehicles, such as emergency and delivery vehicles, difficult.

Students said they were being portrayed unfairly and are unhappy at residents photographing them.

Residents say they are simply gathering evidence, as the school asked them to.

Fake notices from police and teachers and angry notes have been placed on windscreens, students revealed. One said a sign was glued onto his car.

Year 13 student Chris Byatt, 18, said: "I would say they are bad neighbours. Exam time is a stressful period, to have some coming out taking photos or leaving an angry message under windscreens adds extra unwanted pressures on us.

"Everyone who parks there, does so perfectly legally. Nobody blocks residents drives or access."

He said even with parked cars, there is ample room and residents have driveways.

Pupil Hannah Bates, 18, from Maidenhead, is disgusted at being photographed.

She said: "I feel scared to get out of my car in the morning, another friend of mine has been shouted at in the street. I don't want to be harassed by these people anymore."

Michael Trevena, also from Year 13, said he was once followed all the way to the school by a resident with a camera.

"Harassing is not a too stronger word for some of these residents actions," he said.

Year 13 student Lilly Monk said pupils were not spoilt and paid for their cars through working hard.

She accused residents of "inverted snobbery".

Students also said the school's decision to shut the rear gate has meant it is less easy to park.

Speaking about recording number plates and taking photos, Mr Done said: "If the headmaster hadn't asked for it, I wouldn't have done anything about. He's asked for evidence."

Residents' disgruntlement also centres on the fact the school have a deal with Marlow Sports Club. Pupils can use the Pound Lane site to park.

Yet, pupils appeared to be unclear this week whether parking was available there now or not, because it had out of use for a period.

Mr Done said if pupils were not getting clear direction from the school on this point then he can understand them being upset and insisted the school must make the position absolutely clear.

Mr Done, who said he was one of the moderate residents, added residents are annoyed with the school not replying to letters and questioned how serious it is about resolving the problem.

Harwood Road resident Bernard Mulady said gathering the evidence had been a waste of time and blasted the school. He accused pupils and staff of being lazy.

The school has insisted it encourages pupils to be good neighbours to residents.