TWO historic Bromsgrove footpaths face closure and diversion in a bid to combat crime near three town schools.

Pigs Alley, which runs at the side of South Bromsgrove High School connecting Charford Road with Conway Road - which is near Bromsgrove School - is earmarked for closure. While the Well Lane bridleway, near North Bromsgrove High School, could be diverted to School Drive.

There have been more than 400 incidents relating to problems caused directly as a result of having a footpath next to South Bromsgrove High. The catalogue of crime includes burglaries at the school, threatening behaviour to pupils, attempted arson and criminal damage.

A letter to Worcestershire County Council from Bromsgrove School supporting the footpath closure said the path provided "a Mecca and easy escape route" for drug users and bullies who congregated in the area.

The land occupied by the footpath is owned by Worcestershire County Council and Bromsgrove School.

At North Bromsgrove High School a bridleway divides the school from its playing fields.

There have been serious acts of vandalism, including arson and damage to buildings. Vandals have appeared to enter the site from the bridleway.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said: "The closure of Pigs Alley is out to consultation but a footpath that runs through school grounds is not very good and there has been a lot of vandalism."

A local walker said although he had sympathy with some of the problems he felt the town was losing a valuable footpath and didn't feel the alternative route of Worcester Road was a safe option.