Peril of glass in the children's sand-pit

Vandals are plaguing a Bradford nursery and making life a misery for staff and youngsters.

In the last month alone more than 30 windows have been smashed at the Council-run Canterbury Children's Centre.

The repeated attacks have left staff picking shards of glass out of the sand pit and play equipment, and facing an almost weekly clean-up operation.

The nursery, which caters for three and four-year-olds and disabled children under three, even had to be closed for the morning after the latest attack while the area was made safe.

Acting head of the centre, Andrina Mapplebeck, said: "We've had problems on and off, but things seem to have been getting worse with the light nights and warmer weather.

"Staff seem to be spending so much time clearing up after the vandals. That time could be better spent with the children.

"We've had windows smashed and youngsters dancing on the roof. On one occasion a five-year-old boy climbed onto the roof and had to be helped down by our caretaker."

The centre, in Basil Street, recently received a glowing OFSTED report. The vandalism has left Bradford Council with a £1,8000 repair bill.

Sheila Rye, head of the Council's early years childcare service, said: "The vandalism is mindless and the cost of repairs, which could buy a great deal of equipment for the children, comes from the taxpayer."

Julie Crossley, of Tamar Street, whose four-year-old daughter Zoe attends the centre, said: "We're all sick of the vandalism. The local kids have nothing better to do on an evening and probably find it amusing to smash some windows."

Police at Odsal are working with staff at the centre and local residents to try to identify the culprits.

Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to contact Odsal Police on Bradford 376659 or 0845 6060606.

Inspector Steve Baker said: "We are aware of the problems. We've spoken to parents and numerous children who have been found at the nursery when they shouldn't have been there. Unfortunately a lot are under age and cannot be prosecuted."

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