THE Johnstone community is rallying round to help a school that was targeted by heartless vandals.
Hundreds of pounds worth of damage was caused by yobs who went on the rampage in a garden at St Anthony’s Primary that was looked after by autistic pupils.
The thugs smashed up a shed, pinched plants and made off with garden benches.
It is thought the wood was stolen so they could use it for a bonfire.
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More than £1,600 has since been raised by local residents and businesses so the garden can be restored to its former glory.
Parents have generated more than £1,000 through a gofundme page, while Sweet 16 Candy Carts handed over £400 and Elderslie Butchers donated £200.
Urszula Borkowska, one of the parents who started the fundraising drive, has praised the local community for its response.
She told The Gazette: “I’m overwhelmed by the amount of people who have gone out of their way to donate.
“My wee boy Oliver goes to a lot of clubs at the school and was shocked by what happened but he’s also super happy to see everybody trying to help.”
St Anthony’s Primary specialises in additional support for pupils who have autism, with smaller classes integrated throughout the school in their inclusive unit.
Mari Gold, whose 11-year-old autistic son Alexander attends the school, said he was left devastated by the mindless vandalism.
She added: “He put so much effort into the garden. They’ve been working on it pretty much since they started back school in August.
“He can’t believe all his hard work is destroyed and he can’t understand why people would do such a thing.”
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A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council welcomed the support the school has received.
“We are working closely with colleagues from Police Scotland following vandalism to the school garden and have passed on CCTV from the school to identify those involved,” he said.
“It’s great to see the local community coming together to support the school.”
Police have said their investigation is at an early stage.
Sergeant Barry McNaught added: “After speaking to the school, officers recorded a crime of vandalism and the theft of planters. Two garden benches were taken and an unknown number of flower pots were taken, as well as damage to a shed and other planters.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101.
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You can make a donation online here.
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