Nursery equipment destroyed in arson attack
A fire which broke out at a school in Cheltenham is thought to have been started deliberately.
The fire at Dunalley Primary School broke out on 22nd June at around 8.00pm and destroyed much of the outdoor play equipment used by the Ducklings nursery. Three sheds were also destroyed in the blaze.
Headteacher Judith Price said: “I came in on Saturday morning to look at the damage in daylight and it was just devastating. It’s upsetting for the children. I have had to tell them what has happened. Everyone is so good at looking after our school. It’s got a lovely environment. It’s so well looked after by the school community and neighbours. It’s fortunate our neighbours were alert because a few more minutes and it could have had a devastating effect. Five more minutes and it would have caught hold of the school – that’s what the fire officers said. Some of the plastic guttering used to harvest rain water on the side of the school has melted.”
Many bikes, trikes, play mats, toy cars and dressing up clothes were destroyed in the fire.
Ms Price added: “Everything that they use to play with outside has gone up in smoke.”
One parent said: “I’m absolutely livid about it. To think the vandals have burned all these kids’ toys and play equipment is a disgrace. They are all very upset about it.”
Chris Jackson from Gloucestershire police confirmed that the incident is being treated as arson. He added: “We need to establish the circumstances in which the fire started and would appeal to anyone who saw suspicious activity on the night to call us. No matter how insignificant you think it may be, please let us know so we can judge.”