CHILDREN at a primary school in Clydebank have been left "distressed" after cruel vandals destroyed their playground. 

Staff at Carleith Primary and Early Learning and Childcare Centre discovered the vandalism on Tuesday morning. 

Due to the extent of the damage, the children have been unable to use their play area until repairs are carried out.

Glasgow Times:

Janice Morrison, chairperson of the school's parent hub, said she was left angry and sad after finding out about the wreckage.

She said: "I felt mixed emotions when I found out. I was angry and sad.

"Angry that this has happened, but I felt really sad for the kids and the teachers. They have put so much effort into making their playground better. It’s just annoying that people have gone and done that to the kids' stuff."

Glasgow Times:

Items including a car, a water table, planterns, benches, chalk board, and a boat have all been destroyed. 

Janice, from Duntocher, added: "The car is wrecked, the wheels and front lights are off it and everything. The boat has been destroyed.

"The paint marks on the playground such as hopscotch, that have only been down a few months, have been ruined. It looks although they have been melted them with a lighter.

Glasgow Times:

"The depute head got all of the equipment made for the school and spent a lot of her spare time collecting it and bringing it to the playground. They are all only months old.

"The kids love them. They didn’t move, but the kids loved sitting and playing on them."

The school's parent hub are willing to try raise some money to help improve the security at the school. 

Janice added: "We’ve had someone offer to provide us with a CCTV system. A local joiner also offered to repair some of the stuff. We have had a couple of offers of help.

"We are willing to try to raise some funds to help put towards some security. At our next meeting the topic will be the damage caused at the playground."

Glasgow Times:

Douglas McAllister, the area's local councillor, said: “I’m utterly appalled to learn of this mindless destruction of our local school’s playground.

“The extent of the damage means the playground now cannot be used by the children. I will be insisting that resources are allocated immediately to begin the repair work.

“This type of moronic behaviour highlights, however, that we need to improve security at our local schools to prevent break ins and unlawful access of our school grounds.

“It’s particularly concerning as we approach the school summer holidays and I hope the police will catch those responsible.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “We are extremely disappointed by the mindless vandalism to the outdoor area at Carleith Primary and Early Learning and Childcare Centre.

“This has caused a great deal of distress for both staff and children who value their garden for play and learning, and now don’t have access to it while it awaits repair.

“We would urge anyone with information to contact Police Scotland.”

Glasgow Times: