A SCHOOL has asked parents to be vigilant around the building this half-term following recent outbreaks of vandalism.

The roof over the canteen area at Avondale Primary School has been damaged by people climbing up onto it.

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The school has had to cover the cost which councillors have said will be "extremely damaging" to school finances.

Headteacher Stewart Plowes said in the last couple of months vandals have got onto the roof several times and pulled off guttering, smashed slates and destroyed a waste pipe.

He said: "This resulted in a hole in the roof that caused a significant leak. The total cost of the damages, both internal and external ran to just over £800.

"This weekend we had reports of youths on the roof once again. We are taking action to stop access, but this is very difficult, even though we know that the roof is hazardous and anyone falling from it would be likely to be severely injured.

"Our neighbours and parents are great and vigilant in protecting our school. We appreciate everything that they do to keep the site and our children safe."

Cllr Pete Hollings, representative for Sunnyhurst ward on Darwen and borough councils, said that parents need to be aware of what theiry’re children are doing as there has been a "multitude of vandalism" incidents recently.

He said: “I would suggest that what has taken place has been downe by youngsters much older than the primary school children but I think that parents do need to keep their eyes open.

“Paying for damage such as this which could be costing the school hundreds of pounds is not something that the school should have to worry about and as it’s a council-run school it will be coming out of everyone’s pockets.

"We have had a lot of vandalism on the moors recently and its not the first time it's happened at this school so I would ask everyone to be vigilant over half-term and report anything you see.”

Staff at the school have asked parents and other residents to ring police immediately on 101 if they see anything suspicious.

Cllr Brian Taylor, mayor of Darwen Town Council and Sunnyhurst representative, said: “This is a disgrace and these people are setting an awful example to young schoolchildren.

“I do not understand what people get out of it. It’s been a shame recently with the attacks on the moors recently as well.

“I would urge anyone if they see anything to call the police immediately.”