Cardross community unites after vandals cause damage to nursery
Parents call for support ahead of fundraising gala day as repeated acts of vandalism hit village primary
Families in Cardross are rallying together after vandals targeted the nursery garden at the local primary school, leaving behind around £1,000 worth of damage.
Wooden play equipment used by children as young as three was left beyond repair, with sheds and outdoor games also damaged or stolen.
Parents say it’s not the first time Cardross Primary has been hit, with broken equipment and trampled flowers reported in previous incidents.
The school’s parent-led fundraising group, the Cardross Primary School Association (CPSA), says the cost of repairs isn’t covered by insurance or council funds.
Now, attention is turning to the school’s upcoming gala day on Saturday 17 May - its biggest annual fundraiser - as the community tries to raise the money needed to replace what was lost.
Amy Wemyss, treasurer of the CPSA, said the damage had left many feeling frustrated but determined to come together.
She told Clyde 1: "They broke the kids little outdoor xylophone, plant beds.
"They have been in before and damaged a shed which stores the kids toys, and broken and stolen some of the kids toys as well.
"Everyone is quite disheartened and upset about it to be honest.
"It's the nursery as well, the smallest kids, and they come out and don't understand why all of their stuff is broken.
"It's not very nice.
"It's not just a wee toy that you can replace for £50, it's actually £1,000 worth of damage.
The group has also set up a GoFundMe page for those unable to attend the gala day, and says every donation will go directly towards restoring the outdoor play space.
The installation of new CCTV cameras has already helped police identify suspects involved in the most recent incident, with charges understood to have been brought.
Hear the latest news on Clyde 1 on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.