A SCHOOL is set for a 10ft security fence to guard a new £120,000 games area from vandals.

Hyndburn Park County School, in Park Road, Accrington, will have a multi-purpose games area and outdoor classroom built this summer, which will be available to pupils and the wider community.

Headteacher John Boden said work was due to commence shortly and the new fence would replace one which is 15-years-old.

Coun Siddique Mohammed Kazi, who has community cohesion responsibilities in Hyndburn Council's Conservative cabinet, said: "There have been problems with vandalism from time to time. This sum of £120,000 may seem a lot, but I think it will be very worth while in the long term.

"The fence is quite high but it will make the play area, which has the busy Hyndburn Road running along one side, a safer place for children and residents.

"It may look a bit much at the moment, but I think the whole scheme will be excellent for the area."

Mr Boden said Lancashire County Council's education department was behind the move and similar outdoor improvements were planned for other schools in the county.

He said: "The all-weather games area is being funded with £123,000 from the government's New Opportunities Fund. It will include exercise paths, a cricket area in the centre, and an outdoor classroom area.

"The present all-weather playing area will be revamped into five-a-side, basketball and netball courts.

"The facilities will be also available to community groups in the area.

"I think the new fence will be quite environmentally-friendly in its appearance and don't think it'll have spikes or anything like that.

"We hope the work will start within the next month or so and be complete by the end of the summer term.

Hyndburn Council will consider the application at its next planning committee meeting.