A WARNING about a drug hotspot at Winchester's main skatepark has been sent out by schools to parents.

Headteachers at three secondary schools have issued a joint letter stating they are worried about drug use and dealing at the skatepark next to River Park Leisure Centre.

They add they are concerned about "drinking and altercations between unsupervised teenagers" in the area.

The letter from Kings' School, The Westgate School and Henry Beaufort, says: "We feel that we have now reached a point where we have to communicate to parents our concerns about the skate park in the centre of Winchester [...] and we would strongly advise parents to consider whether they allow their children to visit this area in future.

"We are also mindful of a number of occasions on which teenagers have told parents that they are visiting a friend’s house, and may have indeed met there initially, but have then moved on either to the skate park or other public areas in Winchester or surrounding villages, sometimes in large groups.

"We know from experience that teenagers sometimes do make decisions that put themselves at risk and also that, as parents, it can be very difficult to keep track of what is going on in their busy lives.

"We would, however, urge you to be very clear where your child is and what they are doing, at all times, especially during the summer holidays.

"Please be assured that we are absolutely not trying to tell parents how to look after their children but simply trying to pass on our concerns to help you make informed decisions at home."

Headteacher of Kings' School Matthew Leeming told the Chronicle: "We have had a productive meeting with the city council about this subject.

"We shared our concerns with officers from the council, we heard reassuring information about what they can do, which includes CCTV and to step up patrols in the summer months.

"We deal with all sorts of pasture and welfare issues and we are concerned about children putting themselves in vulnerable positions by being there late at night or being there and being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs."

Sergeant Matt Fancett from Winchester’s Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “A specific problem relating to the skate park in Winchester has not been identified to us.

“Our neighbourhood policing team has a robust approach to addressing any anti-social behaviour issues by showing a visible presence in the River Park area, which includes the skate park, and carrying out enforcement action when necessary.

“Anyone with any concerns should always call 101 to report these to us.”

Cllr Dominic Hiscock said he had not had any concerns raised to him about the area.

"There is obviously a problem and part of the role of the school is to advise children on their own safety. I think it is probably sensible to tell children about this," he said.

"The problem is if you make it a no-go area they will all just move, and the children are no more knowledgeable."

In a statement, the city council said: “The council had not received any complaints or information about any specific issues at the site prior to the letter.

"We take the safety and inappropriate behaviour at our sites very seriously and so on Tuesday the Landscape and Open Spaces, Community Safety and Neighbourhood Services teams met with the Heads and Teachers from the Kings and Westgate Schools to produce an action plan to ensure appropriate behaviour at the skate park.

"A second letter will be sent to parents this Friday regarding the partnership approach to all anti-social behaviour and the council will also visit the schools to give assemblies on the safe use of all open spaces.

"We want to reassure the community that regular patrols, CCTV and Skate Rangers are present at the site and this will continue over the summer and beyond."