The issue of parking near schools at drop off and pick up time is a thorny one that continues to cause problems.

With wider parental choice about where children go to school inevitably comes added complications of how pupils actually get to their classes if the school they attend is not the local one in their community.

Schools are constantly having to warn parents about haphazard and thoughtless parking in the often tight residential streets around premises, and the increased number of cars negotiating the roads at busy times only adds to potential dangers for children.

In some instances – such as at Idle – casual agreements can be reached with local businesses to allow parents to leave their cars in traders’ or companies’ car parks while they drop off their children.

But this must be seen for what it is – a luxury, not a right. It is simply astounding that at this particular hotel in Idle where school traffic is allowed to park, staff were abused and complained to because the venue decided to close off the car park to accommodate a funeral.

The hotel was well within its rights to withdraw parking privileges, especially for such a sensitive family event. It would be unsurprising if the venue decided to permanently stop parents parking there after the experience it has had.

It shouldn’t need saying, but any parents who can feasibly walk to school should do so, not only to avoid traffic congestion but to give their children a healthier lifestyle.

And those who simply have to drive should perhaps set off a little earlier and find a place to park considerately and without causing obstruction or fuss.