SCHOOL chiefs in York who are campaigning to close a footpath have been backed by police, who warned it was a security risk EIGHT years ago .

A letter by Jim Shanks, North Yorkshire Police architectural liaison officer, to councillors considering a plan to close a footpath at St Peter's School, Clifton, reveals he wrote a 1996 report claiming the walkway was "seriously compromising" school security.

Members of City of York Council's planning and transport advisory panel will consider new information on why the footpath, linking the school with Westminster Road and North Parade, should be shut after burglaries and vandalism sparked security concerns.

School bosses are worried the footpath is being used for drug taking, and are trying to take advantage of new legislation which gives schools a right to close a public right of way if pupils and staff are at risk.

New statistics given to councillors show there have been 55 incidents of criminal activity, including thefts, robbery, threats of violence and criminal damage, since January 1, 2001.

Mr Shanks' 1996 report, which has also been given to councillors, states: "I personally believe that the security of St Peter's School is being seriously compromised by the existence of the public 'right of way' footpath running through the school and its grounds.

"I believe that this right of way creates a dangerous environment, where the would-be trespasser can easily gain access into the school and its buildings. It is an ideal escape route and cover for committing crime."

If councillors agree to previous recommendations, the authority will issue a legal notice which will advise of the closure of the footpath.

Anyone with objections will have the chance to have their say and, if these cannot be resolved, councillors will then have to consider whether to pass the order on to the Government for the final determination. The Evening Press previously reported how Clifton residents started a petition protesting against the proposed closure of the footpath.

Ward councillor Ken King said if any public notice was advertised, one of the three ward members would object to the path's closure. He also took issue with the police report, branding some sections of it as "ambiguous".

A St Peter's School spokesman said: "All of the action we have taken is to improve the security of our staff and pupils. That has been our prime concern."

Updated: 10:31 Thursday, October 28, 2004