MORE residents have come forward to express their anger the prospect of planned expansion to Newfield Park Primary School.

They believe they have become prisoners within their own homes at certain times of the day as nearby Whittingham Road grinds to a halt.

Andy Sargent, who lives just off Whittingham Road in Greenbush Drive, said: "Between 8.30 to 9.15am and 2.45 to 3.30pm Whittingham Road becomes a no-go area.

"Everything comes to a standstill and anyone who wants to leave the house during those times can forget it."

Residents claim problems arise from the amount of traffic using both the school and neighbouring Halesowen College.

Newfield Park want to build a dining hall and seven new classrooms to cope with an increased influx of pupils.

To cope with the expansion there will be a new 18 space car park for staff and a visitors drop-off area to be built on land adjacent to the school.

Mr Sargent added: " The council have marked the road outside the school to allow parking for 15 minutes which is causing chaos with up to 15 coaches trying to get past the parked cars. As a result, Whittingham Road becomes totally blocked along its full length.

"There is also a total lack of thought by parents when taking their children to school as they block up the housing estate with illegal parking to such an extent that we are becoming prisoners in our own homes between the times I've mention."

Mr Sargent also questioned the traffic survey findings from Banners Gate Transportation Ltd which concluded that the proposed expansion would not adversely affect the operation of the highway network near the site.

He said: "What planet are they living on. To say there would be not too much of a problem is a complete nonsense.

"They must have staged their survey at lunch time or during the school holidays. If they came at the times I've suggested, it would be a different story.

"I've lived here for 38 years and we've been battling with the collage for a long time but the situation only gets worse especially since they've put the 15 minute parking in.

"When we first moved here there wasn't a problem as the college wasn't here and the children walked to school.

"It really is about time someone at the council started listening to the residents problem. A true picture needs to be taken at the busy times and it would be good if someone from the council would come and speak with the residents when the traffic is at its worst - but then they wouldn't be able to get here on time!"