RESIDENTS and teachers are backing a petition to stop dangerous parking outside a school that may be putting children's safety at risk.

The petition, regarding dangerous parking, refers to a number of streets around Victoria Infant and Nursery School where parents of children have been parking illegally on double yellow lines in the area.

This has meant that roads around the school are becoming more dangerous for children crossing as they cannot see what is coming down the street.

Paul Rainford, 52, of Barrow, one of the leaders of the petition, has said that what is most important is the safety of children going to and from the school.

He said: "Despite this campaign some parents are parking on the yellow lines and they just don't seem to understand.

"When these people park there any children crossing the road will not be able to see cars coming. It is about the children's safety and this illegal parking is dangerous."

The petition is regarding parking in Oxford Street, Matlock Road and Ilkley Road near to the school.

Another resident helping the petition, Peter Kett, said: "I am glad that we are getting more people involved and hopefully this will get the message across.

"The parking has been very dangerous and something needs to be done."

Those within the school itself are also aware of the issue. Lucie Phelps, headteacher at the school, has also signed the petition and says that the main thing is to keep parents aware that the safety of children at school is a top priority.

She said: "The most important things is that we keep children safe. During October and November we saw an increase in people parking dangerously.

"We have 256 children enrolled at the school so when they are coming in and out at the end of the day it does get very busy. The dangerous parking is something we are constantly reminding parents of.

"We are simply trying to raise awareness to get people to park safely."

The petition has also been signed by John Woodcock, MP for Barrow and Furness, who said: "The safety of all school users and particularly children is non-negotiable.

"I am glad to add my support to his (Mr Rainford's) campaign and I hope the issue will be investigated and acted upon as soon as possible."