Repair bill will run into thousands

Police are on the hunt for callous vandals who trashed a primary school’s all-weather pitch – causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Staff and pupils at South Park Primary in Westwood were devastated to discover sections of the MUGA pitch had been torn up and gloss paint thrown over the playing surface, which was only installed in spring 2015.

The school was forced to fence off large sections of the pitch and curtail a sports day which took place on Friday because of the extensive damage.

The pitch is not only utilised by the school but is a well-used community facility with various clubs and individuals using it outwith school hours. A section of fencing was also cut away and a couch was dumped in the middle of the pitch by the vandals during the incident which took place over September Weekend.

East Kilbride South councillor Archie Buchanan said he was “shocked” to learn of what had happened while the town’s police branded the actions of those responsible as “mindless”.

This latest act of wanton destruction comes just weeks after Little Scholars Nursery in Whitehills saw its beloved garden targeted with greenhouses and play equipment ruined and obscene language painted on the building.

A 12-year-old boy was reported to the children’s reporters administration in connection with the incident.

Meanwhile, St Kenneth’s Primary school in West Mains shut the gates at its pitches all summer after the head teacher reported incidents of vandalism.

Des Dickson, the head of education at South Lanarkshire Council, told the News: “I am sorry to report that the MUGA pitch has been extensively damaged in a deliberate act of vandalism over the holiday weekend.

“The pitch is not only a valuable asset supporting healthy activity as part of the school curriculum but it is also a well-used community facility.

“Mrs Kirsty McNeil, the head teacher, the children and all staff of South Park Primary school are naturally upset at the damage that has