ALTHOUGH people are much more insular in society today, we have complete sympathy with the head-teacher of vandal-hit St Theresa's RC Primary School in Little Lever, who is appealing to local residents for help.

She wants them to keep a watchful eye on the Redcar Road premises, and says vandalism means a waste of valuable school resources.

Around 25 youths are believed to have been involved in the latest attack there, which left a £20,000 repair bill.

The terrible thing is that at least some of those 25 are probably related to youngsters who attend that school, and whose education is now hit by their actions.

It's an even safer bet that there are local people who know the identify of these twisted thugs, but refuse to help police.

If ordinary citizens do not stand up to the mindless few who prefer to wreck communities rather than build them, then the vandals win. And nothing is safe.

Please help identify the culprits now, and start taking responsibility for what is, after all, a vital part of the community.