PARENTS with children at Ringwood Junior School have been given another chance to park in the cemetery car park in a bid to ease congestion at the front of the school.

Members of the town council's recreation, leisure and open spaces committee agreed to open the Hightown Road car park to school run vehicles temporarily.

But the council has said parking there will only be allowed to continue if the car park and cemetery are "treated with respect".

Town clerk Terry Simpson said that in the past parents would get there early, sit in their cars and play their radios loudly.

He said some would allow younger children to play in the cemetery and clamber over gravestones.

Ringwood junior school head teacher Sally-Ann Evans stated in the recent newsletter: "People using the car park or pedestrians cutting through the cemetery must use these facilities sensibly and with due regard to the safety of all its users.

"The sanctity of the graveyard needs to be maintained by encouraging respectful behaviour at all times and with due regard for its primary use."

She explained that if the car park is abused the town council will review the situation and withdraw the facility if necessary.

The move follows a report in last week's Forest Journal that outlined the danger caused by parents parking on the yellow zigzags outside the school.

Hampshire Police encourages all motorists to respect roadside markings in accordance with the Highway Code.

However at school dropping-off and picking-up times it is evident that many parents insist on parking on the yellow zigzags.

The opening up of the cemetery car park is hoped will help alleviate the problem.