Fundraiser launched after 'heartbreaking' and 'pointless vandalism' at primary school
The incident happened earlier this week - with police in the Rhondda investigating the incident
Last updated 8th Jan 2023
The Labour councillors for Ystrad and Gelli are joining calls to uncover who is responsible for the 'heartbreaking' and 'pointless vandalism' carried out at a South Wales primary school earlier this week.
According to Emma Dunning and Geraint Jones, current lines of enquiry suggest three youths caused the damage, and may have caused more than ÂŁ20,000 worth of damage.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, they wrote: "We’ve just come from Bodringallt Primary School that has seen a barrage of vandalism over the last couple of days.
"Windows and doors smashed, children’s toys destroyed and today the bird hide set on fire.
"It’s been completely heartbreaking to see so much pointless vandalism. Staff, governors, parents, community volunteers have worked tirelessly to raise funds to provide these fantastic resources for school children which have now been completed destroyed."
Now, a fundraiser has been launched by the school to help build their 'beautiful' garden - with donations reaching more than double their initial ÂŁ1,500 target.
According to reports, the incident happened on Thursday afternoon (5 January) in the school yard.
Damage caused to the yard includes the shed, which is in the picture of their fundraising campaign.
On their GoFundMe page, schoolteacher Kailey writes: "My name is Kailey and I am a staff member at Bodringallt primary school.
"During the Christmas holidays our school garden has been repeatedly attacked and vandalised. We are waiting to find out who has completed these attacks but we will be unable to use our school garden until it is rebuilt, something we do not have the funds to do.
"Our wonderful bird hide has been burnt down and all of our equipment has also been destroyed. Children rely on this garden for outdoor learning sessions and will be absolutely distraught."
A spokesperson from South Wales Police said: "Police in the Rhondda are investigating an incident of vandalism at Bodringallt Primary School, Pentre.
"It is understood that around 4.30pm on Thursday (5 January) access was gained to the school yard. A fire was started in a shed causing extensive damage to the shed and a heavy object was used to smash a window of the school.
"Officers are appealing for any information concerning this incident. If you have any information, please contact South Wales Police via 101 or https://bit.ly/SWPProvideInfo quoting 2300005090."