I WAS disappointed to read your article ‘Fears over car park at school’ as I felt it was unduly alarmist.

As stated, the area outside Icknield School has been given planning permission to provide 18 car parking spaces.

The vast majority of local residents recognise that a small, dedicated parking area will help to alleviate local parking problems.

Fewer cars will be parked on the surrounding roads and importantly, parents who need to collect or drop off their severely disabled children during the day will be able to better access the school.

To date, the proprietors of the Swallow pub have kindly allowed a small number of our staff to park in their car park.

Understandably, they do not want their entire car park used. Our staff have very much appreciated being able to use their car park.

As a school for children with severe learning difficulties, we fully recognise the impact that our vehicles have on the local neighbourhood and feel strongly that the additional car parking will reduce parking pressures during the school day.

I would like to reassure local residents that we will continue to do our best to keep any disruption or inconvenience to a minimum.

Sharon Salmon, Headteacher Icknield School, Andover.