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Mum-of-two slams Labour campaigners outside Shears Green Infant School, Northfleet

A mum-of-two has spoken out after claiming political campaigners outside her daughter's school left her feeling "intimidated".

Kirsty, from Northfleet, posted on social media to warn other parents after being greeted by a mass of Labour candidates at Shears Green Infant School.

The group arrived at the school in Packham Road, Northfleet, at about 3.20pm yesterday.

Emily Thornberry outside Shears Green Infant School, Northfleet (9242952)
Emily Thornberry outside Shears Green Infant School, Northfleet (9242952)

It included Labour's Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry, who branded Gravesham council "chaotic" during her visit, alongside Coldharbour Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox.

Kirsty, who requested her surname not be published, said regardless of the party, she believes there's a "time and a place" to lobby potential supporters.

Kirsty said: "It was pure shock to be honest. I've never experienced anything like it.

"Everyone's free to express their views and it's great, I think, that people do talk about politics.

"But, I counted 16 people next to this tiny gate, and that's a lot of room to take up.

Emily Thornberry outside Shears Green Infant School, Northfleet (9242950)
Emily Thornberry outside Shears Green Infant School, Northfleet (9242950)

"I later found out they were there for between one and two hours.

"This meant they were taking up a lot of parking spaces, when we already have a massive parking problem."

Kirsty, who contacted the school about the situation, said: "The school was aware, but didn't know how many people there were. There's two grass areas nearby - why didn't they just stand there?

"They could have had music and balloons on the grass, but to be outside the school gate was quite intimidating."

Chairman of the Gravesham Labour Party, Cllr Mochrie-Cox, who's own child attends the school, has apologised for any inconvenience caused.

He said: "Overall, it was very positive, but the whole area is unfortunately quite cramped.

"We were there talking about school cuts; Shears Green has lost a huge amount under the Tories, and is one of the biggest affected schools.

"We did move out of the way, and no one who didn't want a leaflet was forced to take one. It's a very valid campaign method.

"No one was blocked - I think there was one issue with a pram and a tree, and we moved immediately.

Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox
Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox

"It was good to have Emily join us. She was there as a campaigner, to help speak out about our message."

Cllr Mochrie-Cox added he felt the main issue was the queue for balloons, and that they would maybe reconsider bringing them in the future.

He added: "I live in the ward I represent, and I'm angry that school cuts - which amount to £300 per pupil - are impacting on children's education.

"I want a better future for my kids, and I'm sure any parent wants that."

Read more: All the latest news from Gravesend

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