Fireworks burn £1k hole in school’s Astroturf

Vandals caused £1,000 worth of damage after burning an Astroturf football park with fireworks at Bannockburn High.

Police have issued an appeal for information to try and trace those responsible for causing the damage.

A small section of the pitch was burned some time between Sunday ,November 5, and Monday, November 6, as the town marked Guy Fawkes night.

Staff returned to work on the following Monday to discover the three foot by three foot burn which had damaged the surface of the pitch.

Several used fireworks were also found discarded on the pitches.

There were also other, smaller, scorch marks nearby.

The playing surface is still playable for pupils, but it looks unlikely that it is suitable for any competitive matches until it is repaired.

Bannockburn High head teacher, Karen Hook said:“It’s extremely disappointing damage to what is a state-of-the-art facility and one which is used by the community.”

A Stirling Council spokesperson added:“The pitch is used by hundreds of young people every week and it’s really disappointing to see it damaged through mindless vandalism. We would encourage anyone with information on the incident to contact police on 101.”

There is no CCTV footage of the incident and the police are urging anyone with any information to call 101 and quote the reference 0569 of November 13.

Residents in Bridge of Allan also noted their disappointment after a tree was badly damaged by a fire at the new Dumyat car park on the Sheriffmuir road.

Members of Bridge of Allan Community Council also discovered around 200 used fireworks littered around the area.

The community council asked members of the community to help with the clear up, saying:“If you plan to be visiting the area in the next few days please take some time and a bag to help collect some of the litter.”