A VILLAGE primary school is being forced to try to raise £59,000 to pay for a security fence to try to stop vandals getting in.

For several years St Leonard’s Primary School in Bulford has suffered from vandals invading the playground, destroying property and leaving broken glass where schoolchildren could hurt themselves.

The last incident was during the Easter holidays when intruders cut wires, poured glue over an outside classroom and smashed pots containing plants the children had grown, leaving them devastated.

Speaking after the incident, headteacher Sarah Ward said: “It is so upsetting and frustrating for the children to see their hard work ruined and, more than that, it is a real concern for their safety.

“We are constantly coming in to cigarette butts and broken bottles.”

Now staff and governors want to put up a security fence, but their budget will not cover the cost and they are hoping local businesses and fundraisers can help them.

Vice-chairman of governors Pat Clash said: “We’ve got no chance of raising that sort of money within the school budget. We can probably scrape together about £20,000, with lots of it coming from the furniture budget.

“Everyone is at a bit of a loss about what to do, the school authority and the diocese have tried to help but their budgets are limited too. £59,000 to protect the property is unbelievable but we’ve got to try.”

Mr Clash is hoping people will come forward to donate money towards the cost of the fence and possibly any local companies that deal with security fencing might be able to offer them a reduced rate.

Anyone who wants to help can visit the school website or contact headteacher Sarah Ward on 01980 632309.