Thatcham pupils reported over rowdy behaviour in town centre

Kennet School headteacher has defended his pupils who were reported for swearing and shouting

SECONDARY school pupils have been criticised for their behaviour in Thatcham town centre during lunch breaks and before school.

Members of Thatcham Town Council's recreation and amenities committee raised concerns while discussing the latest crime and anti-social incidents.

Three incidents on the list, complied by town council officers from reports from members of the public and the police, concerned pupils from Kennet School.

The first of these, on March 11, said that three female pupils were shouting and swearing loudly in the Broadway, despite market shoppers and young children being in the area.

On the same day, several boys were seen riding their bicycles through the busy market, and one narrowly missed an elderly person.

On March 25, rowdy behaviour by boys was reported by members of the town council as well as shoppers. Several were seen riding their bicycles through the Kingsland Centre and, when the centre caretaker approached them, he was verbally abused.

They also made rude hand gestures at a town council officer, who approached them about the level of noise they were making.

The following day, reports were made of a large group of teenagers smoking in the Turn-fields play area, and some were wearing the Kennet uniform.

Town councillor Ellen Crumly (Con, Thatcham Central), who works in the town centre, said that she had noticed that there have been quite a few problems at lunchtime, and she felt the school should be doing more about it.

She said: “Maybe we need a bit more action from the school to control these children.”

Town mayor Lee Dillon said: “We have had problems crop up before and I think it might be appropriate to ask Kennet to see whether their teachers could be on a rota, maybe once a week, to make the children realise they are being monitored.”

Town councillor Stephanie Steevenson (Lib Dem, Thatcham Central) said that the council should formally inform the school of the problems because the pupils were representing the school in the worst possible manner.

The report said that Kennet School had been contacted about all the reported incidents.

Kennet headteacher Paul Dick said that the school did send senior staff into the town from time to time, adding: “I have not heard from the town council, which is disappointing.”

He also defended the school's record for good behaviour.

He said: “The vast majority of Kennet School children behave beautifully and I'm proud of them.

“When a very tiny minority behave badly and let us down, we seek to identify these pupils and punish them in conjunction with their parents.”