Primary pupils urge police to snare school vandals

Staff at Parkside Primary Academy in Royston said the children were "really upset" by the damage

Children at a Barnsley school have written letters to police asking them to stop vandals targeting their school.

Rachel Ward, head teacher at Parkside Primary Academy in Royston, said youths had smashed play equipment at the school and urinated on the building's roof.

Ms Ward said pupils had written to South Yorkshire Police because they were so upset by the damage and wanted officers to do more to stop the anti-social behaviour.

A police spokesperson said the incidents were "unacceptable" and the force would take "appropriate action against those involved".

Vandals have targeted schools and a park in Royston

Ms Ward said: "The problems began last year when our foundation stage was ransacked.

"Lots of things were broken and damaged. The children were really upset."

Ms Ward said when the problems continued the children decided to write letters to the police asking them to increase their efforts to stop the vandalism.

She said: "We knew who had done it, police have their names. I haven’t heard anything on that since."

'It’s soul destroying'

Repeated vandalism has also affected another local school and the park next door, home to Royston Crown Green Bowling Club.

Heavy-duty locks have been cut, buildings broken into, fires started and paint spread around.

Sam Vickers, chairman of the bowling club, said: "It’s soul destroying.

"There’s about half a dozen hardcore and some hangers-on. They have to be stopped."

Mr Vickers said when he approached a group of youths he thought were responsible for the vandalism they had threatened to stab him.

The club has also contacted the police.

Sam Vickers, chairman of the bowling club, said vandals had threatened to stab him

Insp Richard Mangham said: “We are aware of reports of a number of incidents involving anti-social behaviour and criminal damage at Parkside Primary Academy and the surrounding area.

"People in Royston and the school community should be able to go about their daily lives without such disruption."

Insp Mangham said the force would work with partners, including Barnsley Council, to address the incidents and would take appropriate action.

Meanwhile, councillor Wendy Cain, from Barnsley Council, said: "We’re committed to tackling anti-social behaviour to make Barnsley a safe place for everyone who lives and works here.

"Royston Park continues to be an area we monitor, and our neighbourhood wardens are carrying out regular patrols of the area."

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