More than £500 worth of damage has been caused to a Paisley nursery in what has been the fourth act of mindless vandalism in the last year.
The outdoor play area at Gallowhill Early Years Centre was ransacked on Monday causing a vast amount of damage to play equipment and learning resources.
Windows were smashed, plant pots upended, slides ripped from the ground and wooden handmade cars and other toys were left falling apart.
The latest in a long line of attacks, staff say they are utterly “demoralised” watching hard work and expensive resources demolished.
Caroline Morgan, who heads up the nursery, told the Express enough is enough.
“This has been an ongoing problem for us,” she said. “This is the fourth time this has happened. The amount of money that has been wasted is devastating.
“We are buying resources and they are being damaged.
“We then either have to replace them or it’s a case of we can’t afford to do that.
“We got an outside toilet installed for the kids to use when they are outside playing. The window on that was smashed a few weeks ago. It was repaired last week and that’s it smashed again.
“They put something through the window. We got a new sandpit and it has been smashed to bits. It’s so demoralising.”
Explaining the police have been contacted, Mrs Morgan said CCTV footage was being handed over for officers to examine.
This has, in the past, she said, identified the culprits.
She added: “Unfortunately it is people in this area doing this. It’s terrible to think it’s someone in the community doing this to children who they probably know.
“We have spoken to our children in school and said that if you’re coming to play in the playground don’t come into the nursery area.
“But really these people are not coming here to play, they are coming to destroy things and that’s really disappointing that they would do that to us.”
A mass clean-up operation means the children of Gallowhill Nursery have been able to enjoy their garden in the sun this week. Many of their favourite toys are however no longer there to play with.
Mrs Morgan said: “It’s the safety aspect for the kids as well. There was glass everywhere. The staff were out there sweeping it all up, making sure the kids are going to be safe playing there.
“They shouldn’t have to do that.”
Local councillors for the area have also expressed their disgust at the damage caused to the nursery which sits within the grounds of Gallowhill Primary School.
Councillors Jim Paterson and Cathy McEwan, who represent the Renfrew South and Gallowhill ward have both vowed to raise the issue with the community wardens.
Councillor Paterson told the Express: “It is really disheartening to hear that the outside area at Gallowhill Nursery has been the subject of vandalism again.
“The importance of these outdoor spaces to children and staff cannot be underestimated and the vandals should be ashamed of themselves.
“I intend to raise the matter with the community safety team and ask that there is a more active presence in this area going forward to try and deter further incidents.”
Councillor McEwan added: “This is totally unacceptable behaviour, and whoever trashed a well-used and needed outside play area for these nursery children, ought to realise the consequences of their actions.
“This vandalism cannot continue, and I intend, along with Councillor Paterson, to ensure that this is discussed and addressed within our community safety team.”
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our newsletter here.
