PARENTS parking illegally are becoming an increasing problem near a Wantage primary school after a private car park was shut off.

The Comrades Club in Newbury Street shut its gates to parking parents last month and now more cars are being left on double yellow lines near Wantage CofE during going-home time.

Dad-of-one Simon Burke, 49, of Manor Road, said it was irresponsible and risked causing an accident.

He said: “Double yellow lines and disabled parking bays are not for the general use of those who believe the laws of the road do not apply to them.

“The behaviour of these feral parents is putting the lives of other road users and more especially the young children of the school at risk of serious injury on a daily basis.”

Comrades Club president Raymond Bateson said several parents had verbally abused him after he refused them access to the 30-space car park during a funeral function last month. He said: “The police should put a ticket on every car parked illegally.”

Mum-of-four Katie Paxton-Doggett said she didn’t blame the parents because there was not enough space to park.

She said: “The parking is a hideous problem which is only going to get worse as more houses are built.”

Jenny Hannaby, Oxfordshire County Councillor for Wantage and Grove, said: “People don’t use their legs any more.

“It is a horrendous road to park on so I cannot understand why any mum would do it and put themselves and their children in danger.”

Wantage neighbourhood police officer Sue Harris said: “We have liaised with the school and regularly send letters reminding parents not to park illegally.

“In the event of them not taking this advice, we have the option of issuing £30 fixed penalty tickets for parking on yellow lines.”