Teachers say sorry after chaos on village roads

Teachers have apologised after construction work at Wye School caused “utter chaos” in the village after coaches blocked the road.

Angry residents contacted the Kentish Express after a number of disruptive days near the Olantigh Road site, which was set up in 2013 to give the village a secondary school.

Peter Sutherland, who runs the Ticketyboo gift shop with his wife Ann, said up to five coaches were parked in the High Street outside the church.

“I am not against the school or the children, it is just not practical or wise for it to be in Wye, a medieval village,” he said.

“The school term started and the first morning back was utter chaos with children left unattended to cross the road and negotiating cars from three directions, not to mention con- struction lorries still coming and going to the site.

“The logistics were and are appalling – the first morning back was utter chaos.

“Five coaches now park along the High Street, blocking the bus stop intended to pick up and drop off passengers.”

Mr Sutherland, whose shop is in Bridge Street, added that the parking arrangements were “arrogant” and were made with “no thought for residents”.

A spokesman from United Learning, which runs the school, said: “We are aware of concerns in the village regarding the current school transport arrangements.

“These are temporarily in place while our new coach parking facility is completed over the next couple of weeks.

“When these works are complete, buses will be able to drop off and pick up students on the school site.

“Likewise, there will be spaces on site for parents to drop off and collect their children.

“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused in the meantime and thank our neighbours for their patience and understanding.”

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, Unit 4, Park Mall shopping centre, Ashford, TN24 8RY or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Complaints have been raised about parking near Wye School