FAMILIES living on two busy roads are concerned traffic will significantly increase when work begins on a Thundersley college.

Residents in The Chase and Runnymede Chase have long been complaining about staff and students from Seevic College parking outside their homes and preventing them getting a space.

Plans have recently been approved to replace a building at the college.

And another proposal to build two temporary classrooms, which will be used by students with special needs on the site in Runnymede Chase, are being considered.

Residents are concerned the parking problem will only get worse.

Ray Smith, 67, of Runnymede Chase, said: “I have lived here for many years and over the last few years there have been developments at the college.

“And when this happens they have massive lorries making their way through our streets and even smashing things up.

“I am a great supporter of Seevic, but the parking is terrible.

“During term the road is blocked with cars with students driving in to college.”

Mr Smith said the college needs to provide extra space for parking if they are extending.

He said: “With new buildings, the situation will not get better, only worse.

“It is a big issue for us already and if they are extending they should provide extra space.”

However, Seevic maintains they need to provide specialist facilities to accommodate students with multiple learning disabilities and believe parking should not be affected by the change or the increase in office space.

Principal, Nick Spenceley, said: “The additional residue of three additional rooms is office accommodation for the college’s business solutions team, who have relocated from Basildon. This is strictly office space and few cars are involved.

“None of these students drive and they are instead dropped off by minibus or taxi, so this will not further impact upon parking at the college. These students are, however, taught in small groups – hence the requirement for additional rooms this summer.”

He added staff and students were required to register their car and display an ID to use the college car park – a scheme which is due to be extended in September.

The work is due to be carried out over the summer.