Traders lash out at private schools’ Glenferrie Rd ban

Struggling Glenferrie Rd traders say private schools are putting their reputations ahead of the popular strip after warning their students to stay away.

The traders said the last thing they needed after Victoria’s protracted lockdown was for schools to direct students away from Glenferrie Rd. Picture: Josie Hayden

Three leading private schools have now issued warnings about the dangers of a popular Hawthorn shopping strip as the fallout from a fight between two girls continues.

Methodist Ladies’ College and Ruyton Girls’ School joined Strathcona Girls’ Grammar on Wednesday in advising pupils to be careful in the Glenferrie Rd area.

Other schools, including Carey Grammar, warned parents of dangers of the busy precinct late last year.

It came after a year 10 Strathcona student was allegedly assaulted by a girl from another school on Friday night in Grace St.

The Herald Sun understands the girls were fighting over a boy. Vision of the attack on Friday was shared by students on Instagram. It shows two girls from two different schools fighting while a large group from both private and state schools urged them on.

Nearby girls’ schools Methodist Ladies College and Ruyton also have sent messages home advising students to be careful around the area.

Methodist Ladies’ College students have been given a personal safety alert and told to photograph anyone trying to harm them and call triple-0.

“If it is safe and not inflammatory to do so, attempt to photograph the perpetrators,” the school’s security guard Libby Brooks told students.

Ms Brooks noted that students were “very identifiable due to their being in school uniform”.

Ruyton Girls’ School wrote to parents telling them about the assault and asking them to stay away from the precinct.

“Students are advised to be vigilant and avoid congregating in the area and to report any inappropriate behaviour to the police,” the school said.

Last Friday night, police and paramedics were also called to Central Gardens in Hawthorn, known as Rocket Park, where witnesses say there was a fight between a group of boys at about 6pm.

Girls were also involved and a witness told the Herald Sun about 30 teens were involved.

The area around Hawthorn Coles, Glenferrie Oval, Glenferrie station and Central Gardens has been a hotspot for trouble for decades, with students from many schools congregating there after class.

In November last year a gang of up to 15 youths from outside the area stole clothes, phones and wallets and assaulted local schoolchildren aged 15 and 16.

Several Glenferrie Rd traders who spoke to the Herald Sun anonymously said they believed the schools were putting their reputations ahead of that of the popular strip.

Originally published as Traders lash out at private schools’ Glenferrie Rd ban