Residents are living in “absolute chaos” after a primary school expansion in Chadwell Heath forced teachers and parents to park in a nearby street.

People who live in Tendring Way and Dunmow Close say they are facing a daily nightmare and believe the heavily congested roads are an accident waiting to happen.

Bradley Williams, speaking on behalf of the residents, said the problems started six months ago after building began at Grove Primary, Chadwell Heath Lane.

Addressing councillors on Thursday at Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford, he said: “Ever since the expansion of the school, residents have teachers, builders, and parents causing a multitude of problems in our street.

“A simple parking restriction in the morning and late afternoon would help.

“It is absolute chaos. Refuse collectors are having to ferry rubbish by hand as the truck won’t fit down the street.”

Cabinet member for transport, Cllr Shoaib Patel, said all implications had been looked at before the expansion work was agreed by the council and a parking restriction would be subject to consultation.

Erik Crichton, 67, of Tendring Way, said: “The parking makes it very difficult to get in and out of the street and has been going on for the past six months. Teachers and parents just don’t seem to care and are happy to park anywhere; it is ridiculous.

“I don’t want to leave the house as I will lose my space. It is a small road and is affecting everyone.”

Highways officer, Michael Jackson, said the builders were parking on the teachers’ car park, which is why they had been forced on to the roads.

He said: “When the building work finishes it will unlock some car parking spaces and alleviate some issues.

“Any consultation we did now would be skewed.”

Meron Hagos, 35, added: “It is an accident waiting to happen. If a child ran out, drivers wouldn’t be able to see them.

“I live close to the school and parents just don’t seem to care where they park. This problem can’t go on. All we are asking for is either paint some double yellow lines or make residential restrictions. It doesn’t cost a lot.”