Minister says use open school playgrounds sensibly

Sat, 19 Jul 2014

Minister Tim Crookall

"Use them sensibly or lose them!"

That’s the warning from Education and Children Minister Tim Crookall as his department open up school grounds to the public to use throughout the summer holidays.

The playing fields and their associated facilities will be open throughout the six-week duration, although this could all change if there are any more incidents of vandalism reported.

In the last school year alone, there has been 45 vandalism related incidents coming at a cost of £8,500 in primary schools, with 50 incidents in the secondary schools costing £11,000.

There has also been a rise in anti-social behaviour with playgrounds being used for drinking, smoking and other disruptive behaviour.

The public is asked to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious.