Chester school to host meeting on underage drinking issues

Jun 19 2008 by Laurie Stocks-Moore, Chester Chronicle

TEENAGERS are being asked to attend a city council meeting to give their views on underage drinkers.

The next Upton, Hoole and Newton area committee meeting takes place at Upton-by-Chester High School on July 7 and parents and 13-15 year olds are being encouraged to come along.

Chair of the area committee Adrian Walmsley visited the school to discuss concerns that children are gathering to drink alcohol in places like the teenage shelter on Wealstone Lane, so headteacher Jane Holland decided to host the meeting.

Cllr Walmsley said: “There has been a great deal of concern expressed about young people drinking in playgrounds and recreation areas in and around Hoole, Upton and Newton. This problem is visibly worse on Friday and Saturday evenings.

“Some youths as young as 13 may be ‘hanging out’ in certain areas and drinking alcohol until 12.30 at night on occasions. This is simply unnacceptable.

“The first item on the agenda will be underage drinking in local playground areas and students aged between 13 and 15 will take part in the discussion as we all feel it is important their voice is heard in the debate.

“I must stress this is a national problem and not one unique to Upton.”

Mrs Holland has written to parents asking them to take part in the meeting, taking place in the school hall on Monday, July 7 from 6.30-9pm.