Keighley community nursery is 'plagued by vandalism' (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Keighley community nursery is 'plagued by vandalism'

9:00am Thursday 20th September 2012 in News

The vandalised site

A nursery has been plagued by vandals, thieves and fly-tippers – a year after a blaze destroyed a children’s play house.

Keighley Community Nursery, off Braithwaite Avenue, has issued a rallying call to nearby residents to help stop troublemakers targeting the building following “repeated” attacks since moving to the site seven years ago. Fences have been broken, rubbish dumped and outdoor toys ruined – forcing those who run it to spend money raised to buy equipment for children on repairs to the outside of the building.

Julie White, the nursery’s manager, said: “We have over the last few months suffered vandalism, theft, Arson and fly tipping. The problem continues to plague the nursery.”

Arsonists destroyed a wooden play house – melting toys in the heat of the blaze – in a deliberate attack in August last year. Toys stored nearby were also wrecked, leaving the nursery with a bill of more than £1,000. That followed two burglaries at the centre, which is run using charity funds, earlier in the year.

Following the latest spate of damage Mrs White has issued a two-pronged appeal for support.

People are being invited to join a Volunteers Day on Saturday, September 29, to carry out repairs, maintenance, gardening and painting.

And those living in streets overlooking the nursery, next to the Rainbow Children’s Centre in Braithwaite Drive, are being asked to watch for anyone causing damage.

Mrs White said: “This is a community nursery and we need the community to help watch out for it.

“The nursery provides free places for many local two and three and four-year-old children and daycare for working parents alike.

“We are hoping to get donations of paint from larger companies but will need volunteers to help paint and repair the decking and garden area.

“So far we have been offered help from a church group, various parents and many staff.”

The Volunteers Day will be from 11am to 3pm, and will involve revamping the nursery exterior and its small garden.

For further information, contact the nursery on klycomnursery@ aol.com.