A HEADTEACHER is threatening to "name and shame" irresponsible parents parking outside the school gates after a near accident involving a pregnant woman and her child.

Mr Stuart Birtwell, head of Hazlehurst Community Primary School in Ramsbottom, said that parents parking outside the gates to drop off children were endangering lives.

Mr Birtwell made his threat in a newsletter sent out to all parents. He said: "We almost had a serious accident involving a heavily pregnant parent and her child. When the offending driver was approached, it is alleged he hurled abuse at parents. This is very distressing and unacceptable."

He has asked parents and children if they see drivers parked on the yellow zig-zag lines to take note of the car registration number and hand it in to school. He added: "If we co-operate and resist the temptation to park outside the gates , even if children are being dropped off, then we will all feel a little safer.

"Please let's not have an accident before we are forced in to taking action. This problem, which doesn't seem to go away easily, is entirely in our own hands. If we need to 'name and shame' individuals in the future, so be it."

However, Mr Birtwell would not reveal how he plans to name and shame the drivers.

Mrs Jenny Peddler, of Lumb Carr Avenue, Ramsbottom who walks her granddaughter to the school, contacted the Bury Times after witnessing the incident.

She said: "Its chaotic in the morning and at the end of the school day. The way parents drive and park is frightening. The woman was walking on the footpath when a car parked on it just missing her. These selfish parents drive on to the footpath not caring about the children or the parents and they reverse without even looking.

"If you say something or give them a look then you get abuse."

She added: "If something isn't done then there will be a serious accident."