Story by: MAGGIE GIBSON A SCHOOL may have to hire security patrols after repeated attacks by vandals. They have caused thousands of pounds damage and sickened staff and students at the Meadowgate School, in Wisbech. Headteacher Neil Sears said the most re

Story by: MAGGIE GIBSON

A SCHOOL may have to hire security patrols after repeated attacks by vandals.

They have caused thousands of pounds damage and sickened staff and students at the Meadowgate School, in Wisbech.

Headteacher Neil Sears said the most recent incident left a trail of broken play equipment, graffiti and a smashed skylight.

Mr Sears believes the attacks over several months are the work of the same gang.

He said: "We are getting quotes for cameras in an effort to catch those responsible and we are even contemplating how much it might cost to hire a security firm for a weekend.

"It would have to be funded by ourselves and it would mean that whatever we spend on that cannot be spent on something else."

Comments from students included: "It's not fair having our equipment broken", "How would they like it if we broke their things?", "I hope the police catch them and they get into trouble".

Some students have offered to help remove paint and graffiti.

Mr Sears has sent details of the vandalism to police. It includes broken skylights, smashed roof tiles, smashed windows, and paint stolen and used to daub walls, playground equipment broken, sensory garden equipment smashed, electric cables pulled off the roof, tricycles damaged and garden sheds damaged.

He told them: "The levels of damage seem to have increased of late and also the regularity - every weekend seems to bring fresh damage."

Mr Sears is asking residents to be extra vigilant.

He said: "This is not a begging situation. Sometimes we have had bikes stolen or damaged and kind people donated money.

"We don't want money, what we do want is to highlight this problem to the local community.

"We want them to be vigilant and tell the police if they see anything going on and also if they know who is involved."

Police have told Mr Sears they will endeavour to keep an eye the school and they also have keys to the gates so they can gain access if they suspect trouble.

If you know who is responsible, telephone the police on 0845 456 4564