A headteacher has defended her decision to permanently close a school alleyway. 

Larkswood Primary School, in New Road, Chingford, shut the walkway in Templeton Avenue after a year 6 pupil was approached on her way to school on October 24.

Parents were told it was shut for "safeguarding reasons" following the advice of officers at Waltham Forest police. 

A petition set up by a mother-of-three in Templeton Avenue, called for it to be re-opened as she said the increased traffic in New Road was putting children's lives. 

Despite it gathering over 110 signatures from parents and residents living in Templeton Avenue, Brook Crescent, Mount Avenue, and New Road, headteacher Lynne Harrowell has said it will remain closed. 

In a newsletter issued to parents to Friday, she said: "Following meetings with council representatives, the school has taken their advice and the alleyway off Templeton Avenue is to remain closed. 

"The highways department have advised the school that Templeton Avenue is not suitable for the additional vehicular use by parents and carers at the school, and in addition the alley is dark and secluded."

At the time, police confirmed a man had attempted to engage a girl in a conversation but said this was not an attempt to abduct her. 

Since the alleyway closure, a council CCTV 'spy car' has been seen parked along New Road during the school run.