SCHOOLS in Bromsgrove will continue to take a tough stance on drugs despite Government plans to downgrade cannabis to a less harmful substance.

The country's leaders recently unveiled their intention to take a softer line on dope from this autumn.

Cannabis is set to be reclassified from Class B to Class C, by July next year, and police forces across the country are now reviewing their policies on arresting those found with the substance for personal use.

It's hoped the move will enable the police to dedicate more time to tackling hard drugs and dealers.

A new anti-drugs campaign aimed at schoolchildren is also planned to tie in with the controversial decision and there will be greater emphasis on the treatment of abusers.

Home Secretary, David Blunkett, revealed his radical plans last Wednesday and ministers made it clear the move did not amount to decriminalisation.

Bromsgrove School headteacher, Tim Taylor, told the Advertiser/Messenger it's 'very likely' that any pupil found in possession of cannabis under the Worcester Road school's juristriction would be asked to leave.

"The Government is sending out the wrong message to young people and the scheme hasn't received universal support," said Mr Taylor.

"Previous Governments labelled cannabis a dangerous drug and I now feel they are backtracking."

Headteacher at Waseley Hills High Schoo,l David Thurbo, has operated a zero tolerance drug policy at the School Road site for many years.

He said: "I haven't worked out how the changes will affect us and it is something staff and governors will be discussing - although I don't anticipate any changes in our policy."

South Bromsgrove High School's head, Phil McTague, believes society and Bromsgrove as a town needs to establish why children use cannabis and invest in counter forces such as arts, leisure and sport.

Students at his Charford Road establishment can expect exclusion from lessons for a period time if they are caught in possession of cannabis while teenage dealers face permanent exclusion.

Mr McTague told your No.1 local newspaper: "Cannabis is a dangerous drug and there is always the potential that it will lead users onto harder drugs.

"The core principal is why are young people so attracted to using it?"

North Bromsgrove High School, in School Drive, has been led by Kevin Peck since 1991 and this term he leaves for pastures new.

The well-respected headteacher said pupils possessing or supplying illegal substances during school hours risk being expelled.

Mr Peck fears the Government is sending out mixed messages to young people.

West Mercia Constabulary spokesman, Allen Peach, said the force will now be examining the proposals to ascertain what the implications are for Bromsgrove, Rubery and Droitwich Spa.