THEY fear it is a tragedy waiting to happen.

So angry residents living in three Southampton streets are threatening to take matters into the own hands.

They are warning they will set up a blockade against parents on the school run in a bid to put an end to “horrendous” parking problems.

People living near Fairisle Junior School in Lordshill say badly parked cars could see a child knocked down and killed unless something is done.

They are accusing council chiefs of failing to take action despite repeated complaints.

Residents living in Fairisle Road, Malin Close and Orkney Close are sick of cars parked across their driveways, on grass verges, mounted on pavements and even blocking roads during the “nightmare” school run. Gus Archon, 74, said: “It is dreadful. People just park everywhere and you can't get in or out.

“If you say anything you get the two fingers up at you or they swear at you and threaten you. They can get very aggressive.

“I think the council turns a blind eye. They only send a warden or two down here once a month. They need to have some form of policing during the school run. There have been a couple of accidents with kids being hit by cars because it is so bad during that time.

“I would support action to blockade the road - I would support anything that helps.”

Another resident, who did not want to be named, fears that the 'mad' school run could result in a tragedy.

She said: “I think it is a miracle that no child has been hurt, it is only a matter of time.

“People park on the verges and it is absolute chaos. They block the corners and the roads and people can't see oncoming traffic.

“I would support action and so would everyone else round here if the council does not provide a car park.”

The problem is also worrying parents.

Mum-of-three Sarah Butler said: “It is going to take a child to get killed until they start to realise they have to do something about it.”

Two ward councillors are calling for Southampton City Council to incorporate a dedicated car park in Oaklands School for parents to use.

Don Thomas and Keith Morrell, of the Putting People First party, have launched a petition which will be taken to council chiefs asking for the development of Oaklands School to include the car park in their plans.

Currently the Oaklands School site being used by Southampton General Hospital as a park and ride, but this arrangement will come to an end on October 31 and the site will become vacant.

Cllr Thomas said: “The feedback we are getting is that residents are at the end of their tether and residents have suggested they want to take direction action to us.

“Although I would not advocate direct action, I would understand why they want to do such a thing.

“This could all be prevented if the council listens to us and the residents and take the petition that will be taking them onboard.”

Cllr Morrell added: “Pretty well every school in the city has this problem, but in my opinion the situation here must be the worst of all.

“As well as being a huge problem for residents it is a major safety issue and it is a miracle that a child has not been injured by now.”

Southampton City Council would not comment on the threat of direct action by residents.

A statement issued by the council press office on behalf of Fairisle Junior School said: “We regularly remind parents to park courteously or to use the Sainsbury's car park next to our school when they are dropping their children off.

“We also work with the council on a range of initiatives to encourage parents to explore alternative transport methods to driving for the school run.

“The council enforces the waiting restrictions outside our school and has advised us that it will step up patrols if the parking regulations are not followed.”

What do the parents say?

PARENTS say there are simply not enough parking spaces around Fairisle Junior School.

Mum-of-five Charlotte Carter, 35, said: “I live in Millbrook and I have to pick my other son up from Shirley and I get to get from here to there in 20 minutes, and to get it done I have to park at least 20 minutes early.

“It is a nightmare every day doing this school run with five kids to get out of the car and into the school.

“I will not park where it is dangerous or on peoples driveways but I will park on double yellows. If I had more time I would not do it. It is simply a case of not enough space for people to park.”

Mum-of-two Charlotte Clarke, a 29-year-old property manager from Taranto Road, said: “If you let your kids walk out it is dangerous. But it is a few people that are being silly and bend the rules. If there was a dedicated car park I would use it.”

Another mum, who did not want to be named, said: “I know everyone parks on double yellow lines, and I know that it is not right. But if I'm running late I will have to park on double yellow lines because I just want to pick up my child.”