A LONG-RUNNING row over parking outside a Darwen school has finally been resolved, it emerged today.

Residents reached an agreement with the school and transport chiefs yesterday when plans to extend the restrictions near Ashleigh Primary School, in Ross Street, were scaled back.

Blackburn with Darwen Council had suggested single yellow lines on both sides of the road, extending as far as Cyprus Street and Park Road.

But a deal has been thrashed out - ending a three-year battle over a compromise between residents' rights and children's safety.

Cllr Stephanie Brookfield, who was appointed the authority's Road Safety Champion last year, said: “Following a positive meeting at Ashleigh Primary School we have agreed on changes to parking.

"Due to ongoing concerns over the safety of the children outside the school, we are now placing a reduced section of waiting restrictions during school drop off and pick up opposite the main entrance next to Cyprus Street.

"This area will then be promoted as a safe crossing point for all the children both within the school and to the parents. Only four parking spaces have been removed.”

The row over school run drop offs stretches back years and in 2013 children handed letters to mums and dads over the potential dangers amid claims that drivers were parking on zig zag lines.

The authority then extended safety measures including introducing more zig zag lines, civil enforcement officers staged a parking crackdown and officials even offered cycle training and road safety education.

At the time, Cllr Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, praised residents parents for using the council’s Your Call campaign.

Last August, the council introduced more safety measures, including new signs, extending keep clear lines outside school and new double yellow lines.

One resident, who lives on Ross Street but does want to be named, said: "The original proposal was to have restrictions from Park Road to 13 metres beyond the junction with Cyprus Street from 8am until 6pm.

"Now it's going to be a short stretch outside the school from 8am until 9am and from 3pm until 4.30pm, although it still has to be formally approved by the council.

"I think it's a sensible solution and common sense has surfaced."