ONCE more Richard Smyth draws the attention of the criminal classes to the easy pickings that are to be had at St Peter's School (January 13).

It is interesting that the villains used the banks of the River Ouse to escape.

If Mr Smyth manages to close the ancient public footpath will he then attempt to close the Ouse towpath which borders the school grounds? Perhaps Mr Smyth should remove his blinkers and look around. He would discover state schools that exist in the same climate of petty crime and vandalism as St Peter's.

They have protected their pupils and the taxpayers' property by erecting the kind of modern security fencing favoured by industry.

He should do the same.

J M Bisson,

Askham Lane,

Acomb,

York.

Updated: 10:33 Friday, January 20, 2006