PERINS Secondary School in Alresford is closing a public footpath across its field because of safety fears.

Perins says it will shut off the path which was opened in 2009 between Bridge Road and The Avenue.

Fencing and gates will be erected in in strategic areas of the campus.

But now the school has said that it is bolting the gate at Bridge Road after a site security review.

Too many people were bringing in their dogs to exercise on the school field and walking directly through the campus on a school day.

A spokeswoman said: “The sole purpose for improving the site security across the school campus is to ensure the safety of students and staff. When the permissive footpath was installed in 2009, the intention was to allow access for students, staff and visitors to the school from Bridge Road.

“However, over recent years the permissive path as become popular with members of the public and dog walkers who subsequently use the school playing field and walk directly through campus during the school day increasing safety concerns to students and staff.”

Head teacher Steve Jones said: “My main priority is to ensure that all students within my care will be safe during the school day. Through talking to students, staff and parents, concerns have been raised regarding the school being an open site as this poses a higher risk to security and safety of our students.

“As well as keeping our students and staff safe, we are responsible for the safety of the users of Patchwork Day Nursery and Pre-School, Evolution Health and Fitness and the facility hire programme at Perins.”

Lisa Griffiths, chairman of the town council and a city councillor said: “A personal view is that I understand the need for safeguarding the pupils.

“Unfortunately there has been much undesirable detritus found on the field which can be a danger, and certainly avoiding unauthorised/undesirable individuals being in the school grounds is the school’s responsibility and I support that very strongly. The Avenue is a pleasant walk under the tree canopy. However, I do understand a slightly longer walk.”

The town council’s environment committee of the town council is seeking more information because of the path’s access to the outdoor gym.