Headteachers at secondary schools in Chippenham have vowed to step up their patrols amid reports of dealers trying to sell drugs to pupils.

Pupils told teachers they were offered drugs outside school and other younger pupils have said they are frightened of the people hanging around there.

Head at Sheldon School Gerard MacMahon said: “We have had reports from some pupils that there have been undesirable people seen near the school in the morning.

“Our concern is that some of our younger pupils have been worried by these characters and some older ones have told us that they have been offered illegal substances.

“I hope the police will be able to do regular patrols to ensure all our children can enjoy a safe journey to school.”

Hardenhuish head Colin Smith said: “Recent reports of undesirable characters outside the Chippenham schools have led to increased vigilance at Hardenhuish.

“I have increased staff patrols around the perimeter and the school will always report concerns to the police.”

The issue of drugs being reportedly used and sold close to the secondary schools is something which the Chippenham Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) has picked up as a main priority for the next three months.

A report compiled by the NPT says: “Drugs are reported to be taken by students on the Donkey Fields and hopefully it will take one arrest to stop this so patrols will be made at the salient times in order to achieve this.”

Head of the NPT Sgt Allan George said: “Chippenham Police have an excellent working relationship with Hardenhuish and Sheldon schools.

“As such we regularly share information and work together to identify and resolve issues before they develop.

“This partnership working has proved very beneficial in the past and I am confident it will continue to help for the future.

“Where necessary additional patrols are being carried out.”

Other issues raised in the NPT report include boy racers in a number of car parks across the town, youths buying alcohol in Pewsham, damage to the Cricketts Lane allotments and anti-social behaviour in Heathfield.

The report also sets out the success of the previous set of priorities including a reduction in speeding on Rowden Hill and fewer incidents of anti-sociable behaviour in Sadler’s Mead and St Mary’s Street.

Abbeyfields head Trish Shubrookwas not available to comment.

Anyone with information is asked to call Chippenham Police on 0845 408 7000, or on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.