An investigation into drug abuse saw three students being permanently excluded from St George’s School in Harpenden, according to a Herts Advertiser report 10 years ago.

In the October 12 2006 edition, then head teacher Norman Hoare told this paper that a further 13 pupils were temporarily excluded depending on their involvement.

The drug abuse involved the use of cannabis away from the school premises.

In a letter to parents, Norman set out where the illicit use was occurring - describing Rothamsted Park as “a notorious area”, particularly near the skateboard ramp, Lydekker Park at the bottom of Sun Lane where the school is situated and public areas in Wheathampstead.

St George’s interviews with students revealed that cannabis was being supplied by youths outside the school, particularly from Luton and Hemel Hempstead, Norman alleged.

The subject of schools continued in that edition, with a report by the county council revealing that the greater Harpenden area had become a “hot spot” where demand had outstripped supply of secondary places.

And Batford was suffering as a “rat run from Luton Airport”, a councillor warned.