A fleet of school buses filled roads this week as a new system of parking came into force when pupils returned from the half-term holiday.

Drivers must now park on the busy A2 London Road and in Adelaide Drive, Sittingbourne, to drop off and collect children after bosses at Westlands School banned them from using their car park.

Kent County Council came up with an alternative but it has infuriated residents, councillors and bus companies.

A last-minute bid to postpone it failed although plans to paint 'clearway' signs on the road have been temporarily put on hold.

Swale's Labour councillors Roger Truelove, Ghlin Whelan and Simon Clark met county councillors Mike Whiting and John Wright and a representative from MP Gordon Henderson's office to thrash out a solution.

Cllr Clark (Homewood) said: "It was agreed to suspend the plan to put down bus clearway markings and to explore more convenient hours if the markings are to be imposed. We are also planning to meet the school to get them to withdraw their intention to push the buses and students into Adelaide Drive.

"We hope Mr Henderson will apply pressure on the Regional Schools Commissioners through the Secretary of State for Education."

Principal Simon Cox blamed the situation on the school's popularity with parents.

The school is designed to take 285 pupils a year but ended up with 358 this September so has had to add classrooms which has put pressure on existing car parks.

He said it is unlikely he would get permission to turn any of his school's playing fields into additional parking for buses.

Roland Eglinton, managing director of Chalkwell Coach Hire, said: "We understand where the school is coming from but we have not been left with many options.

"There is not a lot we can do about it. The infrastructure outside the school is not equipped to cope with a number of large vehicles all descending on it at the same time. We expect there will be some difficulties.

"We have looked at this from all angles but there isn't anything which lends itself to this area.

"We have been left with a best-fit solution which is not ideal on a number of fronts. Our hands are tied."

Cllr Mike Baldock, (Ind) Swale's cabinet member for planning, said: "It is absolutely appalling residents have been given a fait accompli at very short notice and with no consultation. This is no way to run a democracy."

He blamed "far too many" homes being built and the lack of another secondary school.

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