A primary school headteacher sickened by the continual vandalism at her school has called on the authorities to do something about those responsible.

Kath Robinson, head of Our lady of Victories Roman Catholic School, says thousands of pounds have been spent turning the school into a 'fortress' to try to deter vandals. She would like to see a greater police presence in the area to deter those responsible from doing further damage.

Staff have also become increasingly concerned about hypodermic syringes left by drug users in the grass verges next to the play areas. They frequently tell children about the dangers of picking up needles, and have to dispose of the syringes themselves.

The school, in Guard House Road, has been subject to an almost constant barrage of vandalism, with broken windows becoming a regular problem and even arson attacks on the property. And to stop the constant damage to the nursery roof the school has been forced into fitting security wire next to the guttering.

The latest attack happened this week when a gang of youths broke three windows and hurled abuse at the local priest, Father Pearce.

Mrs Robinson says: "The vandalism we experience happens on a regular basis. Only a few months ago someone used a flag stone to put 15 of our windows through. We are having to build in more and more security systems, and the money for that comes out of our yearly delegated budget. It is taking the money away from the education of the children."

According to staff, many of the problems stem from gangs of youths who walk around the school at night. Mrs Robinson believes part of the solution would be a greater police presence.

No police spokesman was available for comment before we went to press yesterday.

Police have issued a description of the youth responsible for the damage on Monday evening at 5.30pm. He is white, about 16 years of age, with short brown hair and was wearing a dark grey bomber jacket. He had a small dog similar to a greyhound with him.

Several other boys aged ten to 16 were also seen with him at the time. Anyone with information can contact the police on 08456 060606.

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