CHILDREN could be 'criminalised' if a town centre base is opened to hold truants, claims a leading Blackburn Labour councillor.

Former Mayor and ex-council leader Coun Peter Greenwood has called on Blackburn MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw to consider a re-think on the new laws on truancy.

Town halls across the country are considering how to use new powers they have under crime and disorder legislation to deal with truants.

In the past, police officers have often taken youngsters back to their school when they have discovered them on the streets during school hours.

But now officers have formal powers to act and Blackburn with Darwen Council is considering a town centre base where youngsters could be taken.

The alternative is for the children to be taken straight back to their school, although the head teacher can refuse to take them back if they believe the youngster may be disruptive.

Coun Greenwood said: "I am not sure we can say truancy is a crime. Some of it is due to problems are experiencing at school, such as bullying. Sometimes it is a result of problems at home.

"We should speak to the Home Secretary to see if there is an education act to attack this to rather than using the crime and disorder act and criminalising truants.

"This seems to be overkill and there must be education acts that are more appropriate.

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