EDUCATION chiefs have been given £129,117 to make Bolton's schools more secure.

All schools will receive some cash but the greatest amount will go to those which are considered high risk.

It is part of a £22 million national windfall to ensure pupils are safe in school and on making schools vandal-proof.

It is the third phase of a cash commitment to tighten up on security in schools following the Dunblane massacre which claimed the lives of 16 pupils and their teacher.

Ted Fielding, Bolton education authority's assistant manager for buildings, said: "It will enable us to allow schools to continue to improve security.

Control

"There was a time when schools could have an open door policy, but unfortunately that cannot happen any more and we have to control who is allowed in."

The cash can be spent on items such as closed circuit TV, keypad entry systems or fencing, and on extra training for staff and governors, including personal safety techniques.

Bury is to receive £83,511, Wigan £141,052 and Salford £111,682.

Schools Standards Minister Estelle Morris said the new funding demonstrated the Government's commitment to maintain a secure environment both for pupils and teachers.

She added: "Safety in schools must be an important concern for heads, teachers and parents.

"This money will enable an extra 14,000 schools to improve the safety of their environment for pupils, enabling them to keep out unwelcome intruders while continuing to be an important part of their local communities."

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