THE safety of children is at risk by motorists blocking the access of emergency vehicles to football pitches at the end of a narrow street, claim residents.

Cranleigh Gardens in Loughton leads to pitches in Roding Valley Recreation Ground used by scores of children’s football teams.

Residents say that on Saturday mornings and weekday evenings the street is blocked by increasing numbers of vehicles belonging to parents taking their children to matches and training.

A sign from Loughton Town Council warns people to keep a gate to the pitches clear at all times to allow emergency vehicles to get on to them, but residents say the sign is routinely ignored and vehicles parked in front of it.

They have urged authorities to act before a child is injured and paramedics are left unable to administer treatment at the scene.

Lisa Mechell, 44, who lives in the street, said: “If a kid broke his legs and had to be stretchered out it would be a problem because they would not be able to get out of the gates.

“I don’t know why more of them don’t park round the corner. Everyone down here is fed up with it now. I suppose they know they can get away with it.

“I think that we need a few bigger signs asking people to keep the gate to the pitch clear, maybe some markings on the road in front of it, and possibly someone from the police or the council to come and tell people not to block the street, particularly the narrow entrance.”

Her neighbour, Jenni Renehan, 50, said: “If there was an emergency when all of the cars are here it would create problems. I can’t see an ambulance getting down here or on to the pitch.

“You get all of the 4x4s and bigger vehicles down here and they just don’t want to park nearby and walk. It is quite irresponsible really.”

Loughton Town Council has been asked to comment.

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