A police report commissioned by Nigel Griffiths MP condemns the lack of security at St John Vianney’s Primary School.

Problems include:

vandals climbing on the roof and breaking it up

vandals damaging the all-weather pitch

vandals damaging the school garden

vandals setting fires

vandals breaking into the school and stealing and destroying equipment

1. install a new fencing system 2.4m high around the entire school perimeter
2. apply anti-climb toppings where fence exists
3. limit school gates to 1 or 2
4. lock all access points outwith school hours
5. reapply anti-climb paint frequently [it is worn and dry]
6. apply up-to-date anti-climb measures around the school
7. lock all wheelie bins, so they can’t be used as ladders
8. remove other items from playground that could form improvised ladders
9. remove two wooden planter benches to discourage loitering
10. move the gate to the Astroturf to allow access independent of the school
11. install a 1.8m high fence to prevent access to the nursery area
12. clear the nursery area of litter
13. clear wooded area of litter
14. repair the fence at wooded area
15. plant brambles or aggressive shrubbery to discourage vandals
16. work with the CCTV installer to ensure that all cameras are fully working, give good images and are in the correct position
17. install a new CCTV camera at Glenvarloch Crescent with a standard PTZ unit
18. leaflet local residents and recruit them as “eyes and ears”

“I understand that although this report was submitted to the council in June, no action has been taken and I am pressing for the work to be undertaken before the school term begins. How we maintain our schools tells our children how much we value them.  It is important that we take all steps to stop mindless vandals trashing this school.  The teachers set high standards and the council owes it to them to provide a secure environment for learning.”

Local Councillor Ian Murray said: "This is an excellent school and I am pressing the department to listen to the concerns of parents and act one them."