In a concerning situation, parents are expressing their fears after discovering nails and screws deliberately placed near Creeting St Mary Church of England Primary School in Suffolk.
These dangerous objects have been hidden in the grass verges along the narrow road used by parents during school drop-off and pick-up times, posing a significant threat to children and pets.
Safety Concerns from Local Parents
Parents are understandably horrified, fearing for their children’s safety.
Many have reported experiencing flat tires after pulling up outside the school, with one parent, Inci Kara, revealing that a friend had to replace four tires last year due to similar incidents.
“The nails are positioned upwards deliberately because they don’t want us to park here, and that is worrying,” she explained.
Stephanie Wilson, another concerned parent, voiced her concerns about the potential dangers.
“Multiple parents have said they have had their tires flattened, but my main worry is for the children and pets.
What if a child trips and falls on them?” she said.
School Staff Weigh In
With around 100 students aged five to eleven attending the school, many of whom walk or cycle, the risk is amplified.
Amy Banthorpe, a teaching assistant, highlighted the threats to healthy activities, stating, “It’s slightly unhinged that someone is doing this, and our biggest concern is that a child is going to get severely injured.”
She added, “It’s horrendous and shocking.
People don’t seem to grasp the risks involved; a blown tire could lead to catastrophic consequences.”
Community Reaction
Local resident Rick Keating, 69, criticized the actions of the saboteurs, emphasizing that these tactics are not the solution to the parking difficulties faced during school hours.
“Yes, it’s a hassle for parents parking up and down the street, but there’s really no other option,” he remarked.
Jennie Blackburn, the village’s parish council clerk, confirmed that the nails and screws appear to have been placed intentionally.
She noted that every time they are removed, more seem to appear shortly after.
“This has arisen from parking issues in the village, just like many rural schools.
The council is actively looking for land to improve parking,” she said.
Ongoing Investigation by Authorities
Suffolk Police are taking the situation seriously, having received multiple reports of attempted criminal damage.
According to a police spokesperson, the latest incident occurred on September 17, with previous similar reports dating back to May.
“No arrests have been made yet, but the investigation is ongoing,” the spokesperson confirmed.
As this troubling situation develops, the community remains vigilant, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the safety of their children and pets.
