Top schools get 'snob yob' warning

Locals complain of "upper class yobs" at Rock

Top private schools have been sent warnings over "snob yobs" in Cornish villages.

Heads have been asked to tell pupils that police will be clamping down on rowdy teenage drinkers in villages near Padstow.

Unruly behaviour last year at Rock and Polzeath prompted the North Cornwall MP, Paul Tyler, to campaign against "upper class yobs".

A strategy is being considered to end all-night parties and alleged intimidation of local people.

Wealthy playground

The villages on the Camel Estuary, across the water from Padstow, were once a discreet haven of peace.

Poet laureate John Betjeman is buried there, near his home at Trebetherick.

Drinkers must stick to the pubs

But the TV chef Rick Stein has helped make the area a playground of the rich, drawn to his seafood restaurants in Padstow.

Last year, Mr Tyler said local people were fed up with "rich yobs from elsewhere who have more money than sense".

He said that if public school louts were convicted, their parents and teachers might pay attention to the problem.

A by-law has now been passed, banning drinking in public places in the villages.

Drinking ban

Inspector Mike Ward said the villages would be given a full-time police presence this summer.

He said: "We have contacted the private schools with a letter through their heads' association.

"We believe the message is getting through to the children that are coming down this year.

"The danger is that the behaviour of a minority will affect the tourist industry.

"If people have had a bad experience they won't come back."

'Noise then quiet'

But Jeanette McGill, manager of the Mariner's pub, said the problem was being over-stated.

She said: "I realise it's upsetting people and something's got to be done.

"A lot of them who did come here didn't drink anyway.

"There is a lot of noise, but then it's quiet.

"By a quarter to twelve at night, the road is swept and you wouldn't know anyone has been here."