Traffic chaos has been averted after a £3,000 donation has meant a club will keep its car park open to parents on the school run.

In February we reported Sheerness East Working Men’s Club decided to close its entrance to members of the public after insurers warned it needed to be repaired.

Although privately owned, years of wear and tear from parents dropping off and picking up children at neighbouring Halfway Houses primary as well as coaches and people leaving cars there overnight had left the surface crumbling and full of potholes.

Club manager Dave Smith says the school and Kent County Council (KCC) have now each made a contribution of £1,500 towards repairs which means it will be able to stay open for pupils’ families.

It had been feared the closure would lead to increased pressure on parking in surrounding streets at peak times.

Mr Smith said although the donation will not cover all of the club’s costs, which are expected to be about £6,000, it has given assurances it will open the car park for use at school times and functions outside of normal hours ahead of Halfway Houses’ planned move to the former Danley Middle School site in Danley Road.

Mr Smith thanked head teacher Ryan Driver for his work in obtaining the donation.

He said: “It was a lot to do with his initiative and parents having a word. Whenever I have contacted KCC I’ve never got anywhere so it’s all down to him.

“Just a big thank you for what the school has done to help with the repairs.”

Meanwhile, the repairs are almost completed and gates are planned to be installed to prevent access outside of opening hours in the near future.