Amherst pupils reflect on the loss of their trees and play equipment after vandals struck at the weekend.
AMHERST PRIMARY SCHOOL children have hit out at the vandals who trashed their playground over the Easter weekend.
Eight-year-old Lauren Le Prevost was so annoyed that she wrote to the Guernsey Press. ‘I was very upset and disgusted that kids have gone into my school, Amherst, and wrecked our lovely new playground equipment, which we worked really hard for and waited a long time for.
‘We haven’t even had it for two months. They also pulled our lovely fruit trees, which we got from our old mobile phones which we gave in to be recycled. I’m disappointed and sad that someone has ruined our lovely playground.’
The incident happened between 4pm on Saturday and 8.45am on Sunday and resulted in two cherry trees being pulled apart, a new climbing frame being damaged and two planters and two benches being broken as well as the roof of an outside bench area.
Head teacher Tracey Moore said the children were hurt and angry on their return to school yesterday for the first time since the incident took place.
‘They were generally very disappointed. We encourage the children to look after the playground and environment.’
Mrs Moore said the playground equipment had cost more than £12,000. The school is getting in touch with its insurers and the company that made the climbing frame to see about a replacement.
‘There were not a lot of trees, but they were excited about them growing and to come in and see them in pieces is hard enough for an adult but for the children it’s even harder.’
The two cherry trees were planted by school council reps Ellie Ross, 10, and Storm Wilson, 11.
Storm said: ‘I’m disgusted at what’s happened because I was so excited when I found out we were going to be planting them. I’m annoyed at the people who did it and I hope the police catch them.’
Ellie agreed. ‘I’m really really cross with the people who did it because they didn’t have any right to be in the school grounds at that time.’
Broken glass and bottles were also found in the playground and Mrs Moore said the caretaker had found a metal bar which had probably been used to break the climbing frame.
* Police are appealing for information on 725111 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Article posted on 26th March, 2008 - 12.45pm
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