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School is attacked again by arsonists
PHOTO KEVIN McGUINNESS. Bilsborrow John Cross C of E Primary School children are tracking down the culprits
ARSONISTS set fire to a school’s playground shed, robbing youngsters of their valuable playtime equipment.
It is the second time Bilsborrow John Cross CE Primary School has been targeted in recent months. Firebugs torched the children’s woodland area over the Christmas holidays, destroying a handcrafted owl sculpture made specially for the school.
Associate headteacher Kath Middlemiss was shocked to find the school, on Garstang Road, had been targeted again. She said it could not afford to replace the shed or the toys.
She added: “It is just ridiculous. We can’t just replace sculptures or new toys like that. It isn’t fair on the children. This mindless vandalism does affect them and is spoiling their fun and education.
“We don’t want to have to turn the school into a prison, but I am now having to think about installing CCTV.
“This time it was the shed and, thankfully, the fire burnt itself out, but it makes you think what they will target next”
The arsonists struck sometime between February 24 and March 6.
Mrs Middlemiss added: “I don’t want the children worried and I want this group to leave the school alone and let the children get on with enjoying their learning.”
Parents and children are now rallying round to collect Sainsbury’s school vouchers to put towards new equipment and Mrs Middlemiss said the school was grateful for any donations.
PC Dave Kerfoot, of Garstang Police, said: “There appears to have been a few incidents of arson in the Bilsborrow area in recent months and we are keen to find those responsible. We are asking residents to be vigilant and if you see anything suspicious to get in touch.”
l Call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
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Weather for Garstang
Saturday 18 May 2013
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