A 'WAR' over parking outside a special needs school in Bromsgrove has allegedly resulted in death threats.

West Mercia Police and Bromsgrove District Council, which owns the land, have been forced to step in, after months of arguments between parents at Rigby Hall School and residents who claim they shouldn't be parking on a grass verge outside.

Parent David Hall told the Advertiser: "I'm new to the school but I'm in a support group on Facebook with other parents, who have had threats of damage to their cars and even residents threatening to kill people who park on that bit of grass. There have even been threats to children about their parents.

"One lady came out of her house and said to me 'I wouldn't park there if I were you - your car will get damaged'. But we need to park there to get our children in and out of school - there's no where else.

"Police have had to be called several times to calm the situation down. It's just turned into a big war."

Wooden posts and a sign reading 'CARS keep off the grass' were erected along the verge during the six-week holidays in an attempt to prevent drivers parking up.

A neighbour to Rigby Lane said residents had been putting up with abuse from parents for several weeks.

In a debate on Facebook, one resident commented: "How do you think the people who live round here feel about cars driving all over the grass making the place a mess?"

Another wrote: "People are protective of their environment."

Police confirmed officers were called to break up an argument outside the school at the end of June, and are now 'actively engaging with the local community' to resolve the issue.

Sgt David Green, of Bromsgrove SNT, said: "The school have engaged with residents and sent messages to parents detailing issues around parking outside the school.

"SNT officers also attended the area last week to speak with residents and hear any concerns.

"Advice will always be given to individuals if they are found to be parking in a dangerous manner, particularly around a school area.

"However parking outside driveways and on verges remains the responsibility of the landowner or the council in the first instance, and as such, residents have been advised to contact the council and Highways Agency."

Council officers are yet to remove the sign and stumps, but are holding talks with Rigby Hall School to come to a solution.

A spokesman said: "We believe that the issues in this area have been exacerbated recently by on street parking associated with the new station.

"The school are keen to work with us towards a solution, and we are investigating what is being done regarding the wider issue around parking in the area to see how this might help resolve the current issues.