THE safety of pupils at a York public school will be under threat as long as a controversial public footpath stays open, an inquiry heard.

On the third day of a public hearing into the future of a well-used right of way through the grounds of St Peter's School, headmaster Richard Smyth said if it was not closed the path would continue to be an "ongoing threat for the school".

St Peter's wants to close the path, which is a public right of way, to keep criminals away from its premises. But the proposal has sparked anger from many locals, who say the path is a much-valued local walkway.

Mr Smyth said: "The school is responsible for the care of pupils on its site, and has undertaken a significant amount of security improvements on the campus.

"If the footpath remains open, then regardless of any other security measures the school might take, there is a residual risk of a very serious incident taking place as a direct result of the access the footpath affords in to the school grounds.

"No one can say with certainty that this will not happen."

Last Thursday, raiders broke into a changing room at the school, situated next to the controversial path. Bags containing mobile phones, money and clothes were stolen.

Mr Smith said: "The path is a conduit for crime, and negates many of the security measures.

"I strongly urge, on grounds of the safety of pupils and staff, the inspector confirms the order to close this right of way."

Mr Smyth quoted crime incidents, which included one on November 15 last year in which a boy was attacked by four youths as he went to help a female member of staff who was trying to stop a fifth boy stealing her bike.

When the inquiry started on Tuesday, the inspector heard from Clifton residents who objected to the path closure.

Daphne Taylor, who lives locally, said she regularly walked her dog there.

She said: "Security of the school staff and pupils is paramount, I absolutely agree, however closing the footpath will make not one jot of difference to their security.

"Possibly, it will make it worse because it will remove the public, people like myself who police the path and stop unlawful activity."

Philip Crowe, of the Clifton Path Action Group, the local body objecting to the closure, said the school's crime figures did not justify closing the right of way.

The inquiry was continuing today, with the conclusion of the school's case, and the start of evidence from groups opposed to the path closure.

At the end of the hearing, the inspector will make his recommendations to the Secretary of State.

Updated: 09:44 Friday, January 20, 2006