The controversial closure of a public footpath in Merton Park will not go ahead.

The route, from John Innes Park to the John Innes Recreation Ground, divides the two main sites at Rutlish secondary school.

Hundreds of pupils use it to cross between the sites during the day and last year the school asked Merton Council to shut the route to the public during school hours on the grounds of student safety.

The request was greeted with anger by some residents.

The council looked at the idea and other options, such as installing a footbridge or tunnel at the site, or gates with a smartkey or electronic lock.

Instead, Merton Council's cabinet voted to install gates that would be left open but could be remotely locked by the school to secure the site’s perimeter.

Andrew Judge, cabinet member for the environment, said: “This will enable residents to continue using the path but it will allow the school to keep CCTV surveillance with automatic locking on the school gates.”

The path is also mentioned in a covenant designed to protect the site.

The council’s lawyers found there was “some ambiguity” in the document, but said it might be used to mount a legal challenge against any closure.

A survey completed by 412 residents found 40 per cent backed the closure – although the identity card option was not put to them.

But a survey of 322 parents at the school found 92 per cent were in favour.


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