RESIDENTS have demonstrated the strength of the community after working together to make a nursery safer following a spate of break ins.

Owners were left "demoralised" after Erskine Community Nursery was smashed into and trashed twice in less than a week.

The private childcare service was originally discovered to have been broken into on Thursday, October 6.

Nothing was taken during the break-in however, equipment was completely ruined and the area was dangerous for youngsters to play in.

There were sharp items in the bark and sand while other resources were completely wrecked.

Staff managed to tidy the area and salvage some of the equipment but everything that wasn't safe had to be binned.

Disaster struck yet again on Monday, October 10 when the fence slats were broken down and the garden was vandalised shortly after being fixed.

Chairperson of Erskine Community Nursery, Brenda Mackenzie has spoken about her sadness over the incident.

She said: "The garden was vandalised twice in the space of a week.

"We came in to bits of ceramic and glass shards and bits strewn all about the garden.

"It was very unsafe for the children and we weren't able to let them access the area as we couldn't take the risk.

"The damaged shed is useable for now but it will need replaced. Other items were salvageable however.

"As we are a community nursery we have to replace all the resources and equipment ourselves.

"Nothing was taken, just vandalised, broken and thrown about. It looked appalling.

"It almost makes it worse that it was just for the sake of trashing the place, there was no need for it.

"It is so demoralising. I hope that now the people responsible will think that they have had their fun and are over it now."

The toddlers' garden was also targeted over the summer, with three reports of vandalism over the course of 10 days.

Deciding to take action, Paul Pirie, whose daughter attends the sister nursery ECN, based inside St Anne's Primary School, set up a fundraiser for new CCTV cameras and upgraded security.

Brenda said: "He wanted to do something as he said he would have hated for something like this to happen to his daughter's nursery.

"It is fantastic that the £300 target was reached in less than 24 hours, we are overwhelmed and very grateful.

"Cash donations were coming in from people who do not have a direct connection with the nursery.

"It is very humbling to know there is so much good out there.

"Parents also helped fix the fence again so it was safe for the kids to play in.

"Local businesses and tradesmen have even offered to fit the CCTV free of charge.

"It was sad and dejecting that it happened in the first place but it is also a great feeling that the community were so good about helping us out."

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the vandalism or could help with their enquiries to get in touch.

Inspector Cassie Glass said: "Erskine Community Nursery was broken into on Thursday, October 6 and again on Monday, October 10.

"Various toys and garden equipment were moved and damaged.

"There was an attempt to open the locked shed but no entry was gained.

"Anyone who may have more information on this is asked to contact police on 101 or CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111"