A school has bowed to pressure from parents to reopen a side gate after its closure led to safety concerns.

Dad Luke Gray complained about staff closing the High Street entrance to Eastchurch Primary School in September.

Parents were told to drop children off at the main entrance in Warden Road which was already congested at peak times, Mr Gray said.

Lorries and trucks regularly use the route during the morning, added the 39-year-old whose 10-year-old daughter Honey goes to the school.

Mr Gray, of Eastchurch Road, Minster, warned someone was going to get killed because of the weight of traffic in Warden Road and no one was stationed outside to make sure pupils arrive safely.

He commented after his daughter was almost hit by a dumper truck earlier this month.

The school has now said it will reopen the gate, due to safety issues at the main entrance.

Acting head teacher, Naomi Ivory, said: "Staff and governors at Eastchurch Primary School take the safety of all our pupils very seriously and we regularly assess the school building and site to see whether any changes can be made to make the school environment even safer.

"Following a recent independent safeguarding audit it was recommended that we reduce the number of entrances on to the school site and therefore the decision was made to close the playground gate, leading from Eastchurch High Street on to the school site.

"However, since the closure parental feedback has highlighted concern that the extra congestion around the remaining main entrance gate, at Warden Road, now poses a risk to pupils’ safety.

"The school’s Senior Leadership Team has taken their concerns seriously and, following further assessment, plans to reopen the High Street entrance as soon as a new gate and fencing are fully installed.

"The school enjoys a good relationship with parents and guardians and would always encourage them to approach staff to discuss any concerns they may have."

Reacting to the news Mr Gray said the school should have replaced the gate in the first place but more could be done.

He added: "That is a definite step in the right direction. It will make a massive difference.

"They still need parking. There is quite a lot of land at the school that could be used for parking."