PARENTS are boycotting an ice cream van after the driver allegedly refused to move when a man collapsed near his vehicle – because he had a good parking space.

Michael Duxbury, head teacher at St Peter’s RC Primary School in Blackburn, said that he had attempted to persuade the driver to move his van but that he would not.

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However, the van driver has rejected the claims, saying he did not refuse to move and he would have parked elsewhere when the emergency services arrived.

The collapsed man, who is believed to be an uncle of a pupil, fell ill outside the school gates and an ambulance was called.

He suffered a head injury and was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital by a parent, meaning the ambulance was called off before arriving.

However, parents have now organised a boycott of the ice cream van because of the alleged incident.

In a letter to parents Mr Duxbury said: “Many of you will be aware of the serious incident outside school on Friday when a man collapsed on the pavement near to the school gates.

“It was only the prompt action by a group of parents which prevented a near tragic outcome.

“However, this story does have a very disjointing side.

“The ice cream van which was parked next to the incident refused to move in order to give room for the ambulance which had been sent for.

“When asked to move his ice cream van the driver refused even when he was informed of a man laying seriously ill so close by.

“St Peter’s children and parents always respond so generously when they are asked to help others in need.

“It is a pity it doesn’t extend to others who come into contact with our pupils.”

A parent said: “It’s terrible that someone would value a parking space over the wellbeing of someoneelse who was so clearly in need of help.

“A lot of parents are now boycotting the ice cream van over his actions and many people will never buy ice creams for their children from him again.”

The driver, who has been working in Mill Hill for 35 years and only wanted to be identified as Fred, said he had simply been waiting for the ambulance to turn up.

He said: “The ambulance never came.

“I said that I would move it when the ambulance came but it never did.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph following the incident Mr Duxbury said: “The parents and staff here are quite cross about this whole situation.

“It’s not true that he agreed to move his van once an ambulance turned up.

“I went to speak to him and he told me no such thing.”