COUNCILLORS want more information on crimes committed in the grounds of a York school before they decide whether to close a public footpath which runs through the property.

St Peter's School, in Clifton, has applied to City of York Council to extinguish an historic right of way which runs through its grounds so it can install gates in an effort to reduce crime.

Over the past three years, there have been 45 recorded crimes on the school site, including car crime, theft, criminal damage, robbery and assault. The closure move has been supported by North Yorkshire Police. The school has previously installed CCTV cameras and anti-vehicle barriers and gates along the path.

The application to close the public right of way - running from Clifton through the school campus to join a footpath linking Westminster Road and North Parade - has been recommended for approval by council officers.

But at a meeting of executive members for planning and transport advisory panel last night, councillors deferred a decision until they had more details about the incidents. Coun Ann Reid told the Evening Press: "It is a big step for a council to recommend closure of a public right of way and the committee wanted to be absolutely sure that it is the right decision."

The proposed closure has sparked objections from the Ramblers' Association, the British Horse Society, the Cyclists' Touring Club and Harrogate Bridleways Association and attracted 24 letters of objection and a 74-name petition from residents.

Local ward councillor Ken King, who was backing the objections, said the committee's decision was the "second best verdict" they could have reached.

"We hope the committee will decide that closure is not in the best interest of the residents of York," he said.

A St Peter's School spokesman said: "We are disappointed that that committee has chosen to defer our application, but we will comply with its request for whatever further information we can provide. We remain convinced that our application to close the footpath on the grounds of security and safety of our pupils and staff is well-founded."

Updated: 13:58 Thursday, October 07, 2004