Scores of local people joined a clean-up operation at East Huntspill School on Saturday (January 3rd) after mindless vandals left a trail of damage there on New Year’s Day.
Over 40 volunteers helped to tidy up the school grounds, removing broken toys and debris, to enable pupils to return for the start of the new term on Monday.
Burnham’s Tesco store was among the helpers. The store’s Gail Tasker, right, said: “As soon as we heard about the damage on Burnham-On-Sea.com, we had to help. We are pleased to have donated new outdoor toys, playing balls, plus £200 from our Social Fund to help the school.”
Headteacher James Peate thanked all those who had rallied round to help. “We are really touched by the support shown – it’s wonderful to see the community coming together in this way after such a bad start to the year,” he told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
Chairman of Governors John Micklewright added: “We are very grateful to all those who have helped us at this difficult time.”
The school has received offers of help from many local individuals and groups, including Burnham Lions Club and Highbridge and Burnham Carnival, whose members also helped with Saturday’s clean-up.
Police are still appealing for witnesses to the New Year’s Eve incident. They are keen to identify three people in dark clothing who were seen outside the school at around 7pm on New Year’s Eve.
Vandals broke play equipment and smashed doors to cause damage around the exterior of the school. Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them on 101.
Amy Griffin, from the school’s PTA, said many pre-school outdoor toys were broken and there was also damage to the memorial garden wildlife pond. “It’s awful for the school’s children that the equipment was damaged in this way – it’s senseless.”
Burnham Lions Club volunteers were among the helpers who took part in Saturday’s clean-up at the school
Local resident Keith Priddice from Garden Force helped by taking away a lot of the debris and vandalised toys
