SCHOOLS can now shut off public rights of way if they believe their pupils or staff are at risk.

Bury South MP Ivan Lewis announced new powers for head teachers which he says will help keep vandals and other criminals off school land.

Mr Lewis, minister for young people and adult skills, said school bosses must be able to control who comes onto their grounds.

"Pupils and teachers have an absolute right to feel safe and that is not possible when loutish behaviour is allowed to go on," he said.

"We are determined to tackle anti-social behaviour both in and outside the school gates, and these measures will go a long way to putting power back in the hands of head teachers."