Yobs force school closure

Stephen Ball, head of Ivy Bank Business and Enterprise College, said the school could now face a budget shortfall after yobs went on the £4,000 wrecking spree.

Police believe youths aged around 18 used rubble from building work at the school to smash 32 windows.

Mr Ball, 48, has been head of the Byron Street school for 10 years, and said it is the worst act of vandalism he had seen.

He added there was no option but to close the school as it was a health and safety hazard.

He said: "This is by far the worst act of vandalism in my time here. When I saw the damage I felt sick right to the pit of my stomach.

"People have worked so hard in the school to provide first class facilities.

"It is demoralising for people in the community when this happens.

"There were a dozen classrooms that could not be taught in. Glass was everywhere. It was on the floor, tables, computers and on pupils' work," said Mr Ball.

"It was just a massive health and safety risk. But the school will be open tomorrow."

Glaziers were at the school today repairing the damage.

Mr Ball said the school now faced cash flow problems as its budget did not cater for criminal damage.

He added: "We do not have the money to pay for repairs. The school has no reserve and it could not be worse.

"This year we have had to cut the budget to keep our heads above water, all the departments have had reduced funding."

Friday's incident follows a similar attack on The Pendle building at Nelson and Colne College, which had to be closed for a day after the May bank holiday weekend when windows were smashed and computer equipment was stolen.

The 1,000-pupil Ivy Bank school will also close on Thursday when 300 pupils will travel to Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground to cheer on the girls' football team in the ESFA Coca Cola national school final.

A spokeswomen for Lancashire County Council said they were unaware of the most recent vandalism.