Vandalism blow to school

The Newton Mearns school had unveiled Crookfur’s Woodland on March 27 — a community effort, with parents, staff and children pitching in on their free time to create the outdoor play area.

Teacher Claire Reynolds arrived at school on Monday to see the damage caused by vandals the previous night.

She told The Extra: “The willow dome, tree stakes and flowers have all been affected, and we are all very saddened by this terrible event. The children keep asking: why would people do this?”

David Thomson — dad of two and project volunteer — commented: “All the parents who took part are both upset and angry. There was a real spirit of community partnership in this project and it has been dealt a real blow by thoughtless vandalism.

“Those involved in working on it have volunteered their time — however, cost issues could mean that it is never quite as it was.”

Claire added: “Parents will be in to help return the woodland to what it was.

“We’re eager for the kids to be able to use the site again soon, and ask everyone in the area to be vigilant, as we would not like to see this happen again.”

Inspector Alan Dickson, of Giffnock police station, said: “PC Alistair Lindsay, campus officer for Eastwood, is looking into the incident. If anyone in the area saw or heard anything on Sunday, around 6.30pm, please get in touch.

“It’s very sad to see that an amenity put together by the community has been destroyed by thoughtless people who don’t recognise the work that has been put into it.”