Nursery staff praise ‘ incredible’ support following garden fire
NURSERY staff have been left “overwhelmed” by the suppor t they’ve received after their garden was targeted by vandals. We previously reported the garden at Hamiltonhill Family Learning Centre, on Ellesmere Street, was left damaged last week after firebugs burnt a cosy hut for babies and a shed full of outdoor resources to the ground.
As a result of the blaze, newly completed upgrades to the garden were also damaged, including a wall full of newly planted planters, a polytunnel, potting tables, Astroturf and planting resources.
However, staff at the nursery say the financial and emotional support they have received from people in the local area and across Glasgow has been “incredible”.
Frances Stokes, head of centre, said: “We are overwhelmed by the support that’s been given to us, not only in the local community but further afield.
“I’ve had emails from people that live in the other side of the city who have children at nurseries and wanted to support us.”
A JustGiving page that was started for the nursery has now raised more than £ 1000 which will go towards repairing the damage.
Frances added: “I think it’s incredible. We know people don’t have a lot of money, but what has been a very devastating, negative thing happening to us, has actually turned into really positive goodwill gestures from the local community.”
Members of Springburn Park Men’s Shed are among several local people, organisations and businesses who have offered a helping hand to the nursery to restore the garden and make it safe for use.
Chair Tom Bennett said: “The Men’s Shed already run an outdoor handyman service for the community and we’ve been helping other local nurseries and primary schools. We cleared up all the area, took all the debris and made it all safe so the kids can go out and play.”
He added: “It’s still a mess, it’s a shame when schools and nurseries are trying to do this to help the kids and then these idiots come in and vandalise it.”
A Police Scotland spokesperson said anyone with information should call them on 101. Following the fire, there is now extra security in place around the nursery.