THE refurbishment of a school has been brought forward after a metal theft.

 

As the Evening Times reported, thieves caused tens of thousands of pounds of damage to Wellshot Primary School in Glasgow's East End, after ripping lead off the roof.

About 286 pupils had to be sent home on Wednesday morning when the school became flooded due to the lead theft.

Now Glasgow City Council has decided to begin the planned roof replacement, which was scheduled for 2016.

Parents and carers of children were sent letters telling them about the change of plan.

The letter said: "Wellshot Primary has been on the list for refurbishment which had been planned for 2016.

"This included a new roof for the school.

"Due to the extensive repairs now required on the roof as a result of the vandalism, the replacement of the roof has been brought forward and this will start immediately."

Meanwhile, Shettleston MSP John Mason has blasted the vandals.

He called for stricter licensing laws for metal dealers.

Mr Mason said: "The total cost to the public purse of repairing the damages and investigating the crime could be tens of thousands of pounds.

"Whilst I was pleased to hear that the pupils were able to return to school on the following day, I am dismayed by thoughtlessness of the theft itself.

"Any suggestion that metal theft has no victims is completely untrue.

"It is for reasons such as this that I am keen to see the implementation of the Scottish Government's proposed licensing bill which will introduce stricter licensing laws for metal dealers."

Vandals climbed onto the school roof in the Tollcross/Shettleston area during the festive holidays and ripped the valuable metal off.

It is estimated the 120 square metres they took would be worth in the region of £1300.

Following heavy rain, walls, flooring and ceilings became damp and cracked, while textbooks left floating in the water have been destroyed.

Police are investigating the incident and carrying out inquiries.