BURY'S anti-truancy patrols are going back on to the streets for a new crackdown.

During December, education welfare service staff will be working closely with police and community safety wardens.

They will stop and question all young people, including those accompanied by adults, who they see out on the streets and who they believe should be in school. The drive is part of a national campaign.

Bury Council's executive member for lifelong learning, Cllr Steve Perkins, said: "We have run these kind of patrols before and, sadly, all too often they have tracked down young people who are not in school when they should be and not receiving the education that they need. Parents have a responsibility to ensure their children are in school."

The anti-truancy patrols will be working across the borough, including on Metrolink services. IA place of safety where young people found away from school can be taken, is being set up.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Green, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "Analysis of crime figures indicates that school-age children inappropriately missing school run the risk of becoming victims of street crime, often at the hands of older children."