A Bournemouth school has been called on to open its school gates during pickup/drop-off after creating 'bedlam' for local residents. 

Bearwood Primary and Nursery School in Barons Road, Bournemouth, has been asked by residents to open their car park gates during pickup and drop-off after creating chaos on surrounding streets. 

The school has addressed residents in a letter but some are still unhappy and hope the issue will be resolved.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "It's been going on for three to four years now and it was the previous headteacher who made the decision to shut the gates.

"The new head has sent us a letter and said it's created a lovely calm atmosphere in the school but all you've done is move the chaos from one area to another."

The letter is written by the school's latest headteacher, Cheryl Smith, who assumed the role in September 2023 who addressed the parking issue and stated the school has been actively working alongside BCP Council to solve the issue. 

Ms Smith says the school has expected an increase in visits from BCP Council Parking Enforcement to help alleviate the situation. 

In the letter, she said: "There has been a suggestion to reopen our school car park. Regarding this, I must inform you that there are no plans to do so.

"Removing volumes of moving vehicles from our school site means the entrance is calmer for children arriving and leaving the school grounds.

"Idling vehicles produce a volume of pollution which hazardous to everyone's health, especially children."

A resident said parents have been rude towards people living in the area.

Councillors say they are aware of the situation and have plans to help solve the issue moving forward. 

Bearwood & Merley ward councillor, Marc Andrews said: "When you drive past schools in the morning or afternoon, it can be bedlam and you've got to be very careful because people are parking inconsiderably. 

"It's really down to people being considerate to their neighbours and there are steps the council can take, but at the end of the day, it's down to common sense."

Bearwood School declined to comment.