The landlord of the Rowing Machine has stopped parents parking in his car park Parents have accused a pub landlord of putting children's lives at risk over a parking feud.

Nigel Russell, landlord of the Rowing Machine, in Fettiplace Road, Witney, has banned parents from parking in his car park while dropping children at Ceewood Pre-School Playgroup.

Previous landlords have allowed parents to use the car park -- which leads to the nursery's main entrance -- since the playgroup was set up 34 years ago.

Last year Mr Russell, who took over 18 months ago, erected a sign warning unauthorised vehicles would be clamped. Playgroup organisers said they explained to Mr Russell -- who attended the playgroup as a child -- that he was breaking a long-standing gentleman's agreement, and parents continued using the car park.

But matters came to a head last week, when Mr Russell allegedly "went ballistic" after seeing a mother's car in 'his' space.

Emma Rigsby, whose four-year-old daughter Lucy attends the playgroup, said: "He started wheel-spinning around the car park. There were four little girls stood there and the mums all went mad because he could have knocked one of them down.

"He got out of the car, shouted at us and went into the playgroup. Then a notice went up in the playgroup saying we would not be allowed to park there from Monday (May 23).

Bollards were fitted outside the playgroup on Monday and a gate leading to the car park has been locked. Playgroup supervisor, Elaine Smith, said: "In the past, there's been an agreement that if there are private functions in Ceewood Hall, the pub would provide the bar and in return, hall users, including the nursery, could use the car park.

"It's never caused any trouble until now and people are upset."

But Mr Russell claimed it was a nightmare when the car park was full of cars belonging to people using the hall.

He said: "I've tried to be reasonable. I've asked the town council if they're willing to pay rent and they've refused -- they just want it for free. Perhaps people should take it up with the council. I've got a business to run and I'm not doing anything wrong."

Council clerk Judith White said it was up to Mr Russell whether he allowed people to use the car park.

"We can't make Mr Russell allow people to park there, but we hoped he would continue the community link, particularly with the playgroup," she said.

A spokesman for Greene King, which leases the pub, said licensees operated their businesses independently.