Parent's anger over used syringes and drug dealing outside Coventry primary school

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“There has been drug use paraphernalia found near the perimeter gates and there is a high level of concern among staff and parents."



Used syringes, smashed bottles and reports of drug dealing outside a Coventry primary school are causing concern for staff and parents.

Problems around the main entrance of St Osburg’s Catholic Primary School in Upper Hill Street, Radford , were first noticed during the school summer holiday and have since escalated with reports of dealers openly operating in the street when children are arriving at and leaving the school.

Headteacher Nicola Rynott said: “We have had members of the local community and parents complaining about people hanging around the school drinking.

“Some people have said they have witnessed drug dealing.

“There has been drug use paraphernalia found near the perimeter gates and there is a high level of concern among staff and parents.

“We have reported it to the police and council and action is being taken.”

Dad Matthew Batson, whose wife Rachael teaches at the school, said: “The school has seen a sharp rise in alcohol and drug abuse in the area, with reports of dealers openly operating in the street at times when children are arriving and leaving the school.

“Smashed bottles and used syringes discarded along the street have also become regular dangers that children and parents have to avoid on their daily commutes.”

Mr Batson says he thinks the police and council need to do more to tackle the problem.

Staff dropping in over the school holidays to prepare for the autumn term first noticed syringes and smashed bottles thrown down along the street, which is a busy walking route to and from the city centre.

School staff, parents and people living nearby then started to notice people coming and going and appearing to carry out transactions which seemed to be drug dealing.

They also suspect people are taking drugs in the street.

Senior teachers reported the problems to the police and Coventry City Council .

As a result they say police community support officers and council clean-up teams have stepped up visits to Upper Hill Street.

School staff have also written to MP for the area Geoffrey Robinson.

In the letter they say they are getting daily reports of problems and that those who arrive at school on foot are particularly worried.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police confirmed they had received reports of drug dealing and used syringes found in Upper Hall Street, but said she was unable to comment further as the officer dealing with the case was currently on leave.

A Coventry City Council spokesman said that no-one was available to comment on this particular case.

“We would however urge anyone who finds a discarded needle or syringe on public land to contact us immediately. Our website contains clear advice and contact details.”