VANDALS have caused hundreds of pounds of damage at the Dell Primary School after breaking into the premises one night last week.

The school’s conservation area was targeted, in an attack discovered last Thursday (12th May).

The fence around the school’s pond was kicked from its hinges, and bulbs and flowers were uprooted and destroyed. Bird boxes that were donated by a parent just one year ago were torn down, smashed and thrown into the water and the Dell’s music garden, made up of homemade instruments, was also destroyed with items thrown into the pond.

Gwent Police were called on Friday 13th May and are appealing for anyone with information on the incident to come forward by calling 101 quoting log number 143 13/06/16.

Headmaster Steve King said: “The area to the rear of the school is fenced off with an old wrought iron fence which could really do with replacing.”

Mr King continued: “It’s an area where a lot of young people hang around, and sadly, although we don’t like to presume, it could have been teenagers who carried out this attack.

“Altogether the damage is worth around £200, but it’s about the way it has changed the feel of the place. The children are not able to use the area, and however much the damage costs to fix, we’ve got next to no money to put things like this right.

“Whoever has done this does not understand what they’ve done. We have though been thrilled with the support we’ve been offered from the PTA, parents and some local businesses over the past week.

“We won’t give up, but it is a bit of a kick in the teeth.”

The conservation area is out of site below the playing field and provides a safe area for pupils to experience a variety of wildlife and to study.

It was first opened in 1994, and includes hedges, vegetable and flower beds, a rock pile, a log area, a meadow grass area and a large pond surrounded by a patio and seats.