Irresponsible parking outside a secondary school is putting pupils’ safety at risk, it is claimed.

South Craven School at Cross Hills says there have been several “near misses” due to vehicles parked around a lay-by at the Holme Lane entrance.

Now the school has posted a plea to parents on its website and tweeted on the issue.

It said the matter was causing “serious safety concerns”.

“There have been occasions where vehicles have almost struck students who are crossing the road at this junction,” the school said in its message.

“We are sure you will agree that the safety of all our students is of primary concern.

“For this reason we are asking all vehicle users not to park in the Holme Lane lay-by, or for 25 metres either side of it.

“Vehicles within this area will be asked to move by school staff.”

The school’s concerns are echoed by local county and district councillor, Philip Barrett.

And he said similar problems were being experienced outside other schools.

“I very much concur with South Craven School's concerns regarding highway and student safety,” he told us.

“The main entrance on Holme Lane is very busy at the start and finish of the school day. It's therefore vital that all motorists who consider that they must participate in the ‘school run’ park responsibly and in so doing minimise the risk of accidents to students and other pedestrians.”

He added: “There are similar highway safety risks and dangers caused by inconsiderate parking by some motorists outside other local schools and of particular concern is Glusburn CP, the largest primary school in South Craven, which is located at the side of a busy main road.”

North Yorkshire Police supports the plea to motorists.

A spokesman said: “It is really important that the roads around schools are as safe as possible and motorists are urged to be considerate and bear the safety of children in mind.

“Many schools suffer from inconsiderate parking around their entrances and in nearby streets and as a result the safety of children is being put at risk.

“It is up to motorists to consider whether they really need to do the school run in the car and if they do, to ensure that they park somewhere appropriate.”