Council bosses say they will not 'rush' to implement traffic controls around a Stoke-on-Trent primary school – despite hundreds of parents calling for them.

A total of 235 people backed a petition asking Stoke-on-Trent City Council to introduce a School Streets scheme at Ash Green Primary Academy in Trentham, due to issues with 'dangerous' parking and 'unsafe' driving.

But council officials say they need to be sure that measures aimed at improving safety do not simply move the problems elsewhere.

School Streets involves banning most traffic from roads near schools when pupils are arriving or leaving in the mornings and afternoons.

Schemes have already been introduced at a number of Stoke-on-Trent schools, and Ash Green is currently being assessed for one.

Lead petitioner Joanne Parsons says that unsafe parking and vehicle movements are putting pupils at risk, particularly near the school gate in Meadowside.

Members of the housing, regeneration and operations scrutiny committee considered the petition at their meeting on Wednesday, and were told that the council is looking at how School Streets could work at the location.

Sarah Grattage, team manager for transport policy and planning said: "Ash Green is one of the schools that we're currently assessing for a School Streets programme. Meadowside, in particular, has been identified as an issue.

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"However we are concerned about the displacement of traffic onto The Lea, so we need to think about what would happen if we stopped vehicles from entering Meadowside and make sure we're not causing more of an issue."

Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, added: "The issue around displacement is important. We're not just going to rush in to implement this without looking at the wider area.

"But I do agree with the spirit of the petition. That's why we're investing £2 million into the School Streets programme and other road safety measures."

Committee members backed the approach being taken by the council, citing issues with School Streets schemes in their own wards.

Councillor Lilian Dodd said: "The School Street programme can be really good as long as it's in the right place.

"I have one in my ward, and while it is in the right place, there have been a lot of teething problems with delivery drivers, care workers, that sort of thing. It's important that they don't cause more problems."

Ms Grattage told the committee that following a review of the existing schemes, a School Streets policy and government framework would be coming to cabinet for approval in December.