BAD parking outside primary schools is putting children in danger, police have warned.

Wrexham officers PC Stuart Roberts and PC Dave Smith have urged parents to park more carefully when dropping off and picking up their children.

The officers told the Leader that when approaching and giving advice to those responsible for irresponsible parking, which they see outside most schools, they often receive "frosty" responses.

PC Smith, community beat manager for Offa Ward, said: "We have had issues with parking outside the primary schools. "Inconsiderate parking is causing a lot of problems and dangers for children.

"A lot of the schools were built quite some time ago and there has been an increase in vehicles on the road.

"Many households now have more vehicles and schools have seen a bigger influx of pupils. "We're working with Wrexham Council and the community councils to raise awareness where people shouldn't be parking on double yellow lines and zig zags."

He added the issues also include people parking over pavements and pathways, as well as blocking the driveways of residents.

PC Roberts said: "The frustrating thing is that when we challenge people about this they can get a bit annoyed - it is something we can have people being a bit frosty with us about it. "We challenge people for different things, including covid. And even when we have a small group which are not happy being challenged on those issues, the majority accept it.

"But parking is a different ball game altogether, with people thinking they can park on the paths and the yellow lines.

"The majority of people we have seen in the last few weeks have been parents picking up their children."

PC Smith added: "In community policing, parking is probably one of the big ones we get a frosty response on when challenged - but this advice is ultimately protecting their children."

On his advice to parents, he added: "Be considerate of others and get to school early. Consider residents and don't block driveways - which they might need to use to go to work or in an emergency. "Don't park on pathways so guide dogs and people with prams and wheelchairs can't get through.

"I'd say the issue has increased over the last ten years and it's ultimately putting children in danger."