Neighbours of a Helston primary school could be asked to rent out their driveways as a way of reducing the amount of cars and "dangerous driving" at certain times of the day.

Pupils at Parc Eglos School are also going to be drafted in to approach drivers in person and urge them to park sensibly, as well a write letters to residents.

It follows increasing concerns from staff and many parents over the safety of pupils, with cars parking on kerbs, yellow lines, zig zags and outside the school gate, parking in front of neighbour's driveways and drivers allegedly "being rude to residents."

In an "unprecedented step," headteacher Brett Dye wrote an open letter on Facebook in a bid to reach as many people as possible, to try and resolve the issue before someone gets hurt.

Mr Dye wrote: "I am really concerned about the traffic issues that are happening before and after school. We are worried about the safety of our children through dangerous driving and the effect that inconsiderate parking is having on the relationship with our understanding neighbours.

"I thought it would be really useful for me to outline my concerns and to let everyone know what we are doing to address this."

He went on to give more details about the proposed driveway scheme, suggested by one of the parents, who said: "There are several driveways situated around the school and connected to surrounding homes, and I have noticed on my way to school that many of these sometimes sit vacant during the school pick-up and drop-off hours.

"I was wondering whether it would be worth approaching the surrounding neighbours to the school and asking them, if for a small fee each term, they would be prepared to 'rent' their driveway out during these busy periods? Maybe between the hours or 8.15am to 9am and 2.45pm to 3.30pm.

"It would give residents the opportunity to earn some money 'renting' their drive way and would help the busy congestion of the morning.

"If enough residents were prepared to do it, the school could offer the limited number of parking permits for these driveways, which parents would apply for and purchase through the school, and could use for each school run, during term time only."

The parent acknowledged that it "may not be suitable for all" but suggested it "would take the stress out of the school run for many parents who have to drive to the school" and could also build a better relationship with residents that "at the moment appears to be strained."

There is also a suggestion to set up a "walking bus," where parents would drop their children off at a location away from the school - with an area in Station Road suggested - and they could then walk together en masse, under the supervision of staff and trained volunteers.

The school already takes photographs of every illegally parked car, with registration details passed to the police. Mr Dye and senior staff, along with the site supervisor, regularly monitor the situation and speak to drivers not following guidelines set out in school newsletters.

Mr Dye also addressed a claim on social media two weeks ago that the school "doesn't care about its residents" and keeps "getting bigger and bigger."

He said: "Nothing could be further from the truth; in fact the school is no bigger now that it was eight years ago. We had 14 classes then and a nursery, as we have now. I have also turned down a request from Cornwall Council for us to accept extra classes at Parc Eglos as I know this site is as full as it should be.

"We do care and will continue to do our level best to improve things. I must also add that the majority of our parents care too and are very considerate."