Council Leader frustrated at needless acts of vandalism

Ally McGilvray • Published 10 Aug 2012 09:30 1 Comment

A THIRD child has been charged in connection with the recent vandalism attack on the primary school in Tweedbank.

But the cost of repairing the damage is not as much as first feared.

Scottish Borders Council welcomed the announcement this week.

Earlier this month, we revealed that two girls aged 12 had already been reported to the Children's Panel after grafitti was scrawled into the paintwork of the school's new extension on Sunday, July 22.

And now, following a review of CCTV footage, police have confirmed a third person, also aged under 16, has been charged.

A total of 27 wall panels were damaged. However, the cost of repairing the damage has been confirmed as only half the initial estimate of £3000.

Local Councillor David Parker, Leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: "We were left frustrated and disappointed at the needless act of vandalism at Tweedbank Primary School. These types of incidents take valuable resources away from other projects."

But he added: "I am pleased that Lothian and Borders Police has charged three youths."

Vandalism attacks on local primary schools cost the council more than £22,000 last year.

But council chiefs have warned that those caught will be punished.

Councillor Parker said: "Acts of vandalism at any school or council building will not be tolerated. Many of our properties are covered by CCTV so there is a good chance the small minority who choose to commit this kind of crime will be caught."

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This article appeared in Border Telegraph 13 Aug 12

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• 

  Aoxomoxoa
  Unregistered User
  Aug 10, 17:54
  Report comment

  Let me get this right, Councillor Parker - a child breaking wall panels in a primary school is "vandalism" and "will not be tolerated"; a Council completely closing primary schools against the wishes of their local communities, as it did several years ago under your leadership, if I recall correctly, was "consolidation of educational needs" and was encouraged?
  
  Recommend?   Yes 4     No 1

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