A nursery owner has reassured residents who complained about “dangerous” parking on the pavements near their homes that she is taking the problem seriously.

Last week, residents living close to Sandcastle Nursery in Sands said parents picking up and dropping off children were creating a “dire” situation by parking on the pavements. 

Francesca Smalley, managing director at the nursery said that while she “wholeheartedly agrees” that pedestrians being able to use the pavements safely is of “paramount importance”, she hit back at claims the bad parking is caused solely by parents.

She said: “I would like to state that my families are not the only users of the paved area outside the nursery gates and therefore will not take responsibility for those other than my families who attend the nursery.

“Everyone is concerned about the safety of children and, even though it does appear to be busy with cars during rush hour periods, it doesn’t mean children and other pedestrians are in danger.

“Parked cars act like mobile traffic calming measures and slow down the traffic when the children are about.

"My families are reminded by parent mail to take care when parking and to ensure that they do not cause inconvenience to local residents and passing pedestrians.

"I have a very strong partnership with our families at the nursery whom I have written to earlier this week explaining the traffic calming measures that I have put in place.”

The nursery is working with Sands councillor Darren Hayday and other residents to tackle the problem, while landlord of the nearby Hour Glass pub has offered use of their car park for parents to use during drop offs.