Vandals strike again at Red Lane smashing 10 windows

Red Lane School, which prides itself at being at the heart of the community, was targeted overnight Wednesday with staff discovering the damage as they arrived yesterday morning.

The attack comes just  weeks after youths ­— some thought to be former pupils ­— started a fire against the Key Stage Two building after scrambling the roof to get into the courtyard area.

(Window smashed at Red Lane Primary School)

Headteacher Rhian Driver appealed directly to those responsible to think about what impact their actions are having on current pupils ­— and to remember the care and support they received while at the Breightmet school.

She says she is worried that the vandal attacks will escalate as they did in 2018, with a fire ripping through the nursery and reception area.

Now part of school funds are being used to increase security at the site with a patrol in the evening.

The school is in touch with its insurers to see if the windows are covered.

Mrs Driver said: "Our fear is that even a small fire can get out of hand and cause mass devastation as was the case in 2018. These youths visit almost every night and are intent on causing some form of damage and this is quickly escalating.

"School is suffering significant costs regularly to clear up damage or replace things that we wouldn't put on a claim eg smashed planters etc. We are also paying for a security patrol in the evening. This takes away public money that should be spent on resources for the children."

The vandalism meant one classroom was out of bounds, with pupils being relocated, because of shattered glass and the 'Hub' which provides social and emotional support for pupils has been temporarily closed.

(Boarded up windows at Red Lane after vandalism)

Mrs Driver said: " There is a real sense of sadness amongst the staff. There is also frustration that this is happening and despite all our efforts there is little that can be done about it. Due to the fact that the police are understaffed these sorts of events are not a priority for immediate response despite the previous fire and the fact we have seen they have tried to start another.

"We explained to the children what has happened and ask them to be vigilant as some of the youths who we know to trespass are known to the school as ex pupils.

"We would urge those involved to think about the effects on young people of the community and remember the support and great experiences they had whilst they attended and think about why they would want to take that away from other children and their friends.

(Glass on their stairs)

"We are a school with wonderful staff who are truly here for our community and we feel so saddened because of the effects on our pupils who have already had such a hard time due to lockdown."

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