A SCHOOL is taking steps to protect its pupils and staff after becoming a target for vandals.

Crawshawbooth Primary School, Burnley Road, is seeking permission from Lancashire County Council to erect a 2.4metre high security fence.

MORE TOP STORIES:

It comes after the school fell victim to acts of vandalism as well as having drugs and alcohol taken on to the site at the weekends.

A school spokesman said: “There have been numerous incidences of vandalism, including damage to roofs, windows and play equipment.

“The school also reports finding discarded beer cans regularly in and around the school site and have general concerns regarding the misuse of drugs and alcohol on site by youths at weekends, evenings and school holidays.

“The proposed fence can only help to deter these youths keeping the area of land clean and ready to use.”

The school has also experienced problems during term-time, particularly with dog walkers using the field when the children are playing.

They hope the fence will completely secure the area.

The spokesman added: “The proposed fencing is urgently needed to ensure a small area of land can be used safely and effectively by pupils and teachers alike. Members of the public like to use the paths to walk their dogs, many of which are not on leads.

“This in itself presents a huge risk to the children and teachers and because of this the land is hardly used.

“Not only this but dogs continue to foul in and around this area despite many signs being erected.

“This is just another reason why the land needs to be securely fenced off .”