Parents campaign to close yob and drugs hotspot

Worried parents are campaigning to get a public footpath near their kids’ primary school closed, after it became a target for drug taking and anti-social behaviour.
Parents of children at Priestic Primary School are campaiging to get the footpath closed due to anti-social behaviour, pictured are  Paula Hallam with petition and children and parents on the footpathParents of children at Priestic Primary School are campaiging to get the footpath closed due to anti-social behaviour, pictured are  Paula Hallam with petition and children and parents on the footpath
Parents of children at Priestic Primary School are campaiging to get the footpath closed due to anti-social behaviour, pictured are Paula Hallam with petition and children and parents on the footpath

Parents whose children attend Priestsic Primary School in Sutton are gathering a petition to shut off the footpath that runs between the school building and playing field during school hours because of the problems it attracts.

They say that it is used by people taking drugs and drinking who leave drug paraphernalia and smashed glass everywhere.

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Children have also witnessed in appropriate sexual behaviour and people using the area as a toilet.

Nathan Williams, of Unwin Road, Sutton, has two children at the school.

He said: “About six weeks ago I was picking my son up from one of the after-school clubs and there were four people at the top of the paddock under the influence of drink and/or drugs.

“One of the females that was stood there pulled down her trousers in front of all the kids and urinated. It was disgusting.”

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Parents are collecting a petition on the advice of Ashfield District Council and have been consulting with the headteacher and nearby residents about getting the path closed during the day.

“We want a gate at either end to close it off in school hours,” added Nathan.

A spokesman for Ashfield District Council said the council was not aware of anti-social behaviour or environmental problems on the footpath when contacted by Chad.

He said: “Now that the authority is aware of the matter, an officer will be allocated to investigate the issue and patrols will be undertaken.

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“The Community Protection team will also be contacting the school to discuss any concerns that parents may have with the footpath. If a path closure is deemed the most appropriate solution, the council will liaise with Nottinghamshire County Council, which are responsible for such issues.”