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Who, in Neston, would steal the bell from a school?
| Published: 8th June 2011 09:18 |
(For a Fundraising update, please see further down the page)
Thieves sink to new depths as Neston Primary School is attacked.
Anyone who has information that will help catch the criminals involved, will you please step forward.
The bell from the tower at Neston Primary School, Burton Road was stolen sometime over the Whit Bank Holiday weekend.
The bell, which has been on the site for over 100 years, was presumably taken for its scrap value. Thieves also removed the lead from the bell tower and school roof which, following the heavy rain over the weekend, resulted in extensive damage being caused to the classrooms below. A very large number of roof tiles were also damaged during the theft and the cost of repairs will be several thousand pounds.
Members of staff went into school during the half-term holiday and spent two days clearing up the damage caused by the water, which poured into the classrooms. Many displays, children's work, carpets and computers were ruined.
Headteacher Rob Golding said: "Having recently celebrated the 105th birthday of the school, it feels as though for every one step forward, we are knocked two steps back.
"The bell tower is not only a symbol of our school, but a popular landmark for the residents of Neston. To see it so badly damaged, really does leave me depressed and frustrated. I am sure the vast majority of Neston residents will share our sadness.
"I am uncertain of where I will be able to find the money to pay for the repairs - I presume that will be of no concern to the thieves. If anyone does have any information, I would be grateful if they would call the police on 0845 458 0000."
The insurance policy used by Neston Primary School,and the majority of schools across the borough, does not cover schools for such acts of vandalism or theft and, as a result, the school will be expected to find the costs of repairs from their budget.
AboutMyArea would very much like to hear from any individuals, groups or businesses that may be interested in donating to a fund to help Neston Primary School recover from this loss. Please contact us by email.
For more information: http://www.nestonprimaryschool.co.uk/BellTower.htm
Related content:
Neston Primary School - 105 years old and still going strong
Fundraising Update
A whip-round at the CH64 Big Lunch collected
over £80 towards the fund.
Head Teacher Rob Golding said: "The cost of a new bell is estimated at £1300 and to restore the bell tower and re-install the bell will be £4000 - so our target is £5000.
"I don't feel we can ask the public to pay for the repairs to the lead, new carpets etc, but I hope that people will continue to be supportive as we try to get to our target. The total cost for the repairs caused by stealing the lead (worth £200-300 scrap value) will be £13000 - if we can reach £5000 or better that will be superb."
Currently, fundraising events planned include a Car Wash on Saturday 18th June and a Summer Fair/Fun Evening on Friday 24th June.
In addition there are collection buckets on the check-outs at Sainsbury's, Marietos Cafe are donating 30p for every ice cream sold, and offers are starting to come in from local businesses to donate raffle prizes and other assistance towards the target.
If you would like to help, please either contact the School, tel: 0151 338 2500, or you can email AboutMyArea.
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Comments
Jill
Carrie SpaceyIf there are other local businesses or individuals willing to help, please get in touch. As you'll see from the article above, this damage is NOT covered by insurance, so the repairs will have to come out of the school's budget - i.e. money that could otherwise be spent on resources for the children.
DaveyJthe price of scrap metal is so high that certan groups are stealing and scavanging what they can
anyone else noticed a couple of vans going around neston looking for scrap i left a water tank outside my house a few months ago it was gone when I got home from work they did me a favor taking it but not the point really when someone comes in your garden and just takes something
a thought we have a few very well known roofers in neston so maybe we could ask them to donate a bit of their time to fix the school and save some money
Mr G'Thanks also to those people who have written, e-mailed or spoken to members of staff to share their anger and frustration.
When the children and staff return to school tomorrow we shall begin to plan a few events to try and raise some money, to at least cover the cost of a new bell.
Thank you once again.
Rob Golding
Carrie SpaceyAboutMyArea will continue to help in any way possible to support the fundraising effort. If anyone wishes to make a donation or offer a raffle prize, or help in any way, please contact us on 0151 336 2734 or by email: carriespacey@aboutmyarea.co.uk.
andy wCllr Andy Williams
Carrie SpaceyMr G'Thanks also to the residents who donated 'spare change' at CAN's 'Big Lunch' on Sunday and to Carrie for her support.
One pupil brought the contents of his piggy-bank into school today, as he wanted to do what he could to help - "Every little helps" - Again, thank you for your help
DaveyJis there any news however from our local police force about catching whoever did this as there are cctv cameras around neston somehow i expect not as usual
andy w
andiparryi've started a facebook page to try help generate some cash to help out with the repairs. i hope it will help in some way.
if needed some of the lads at Sainsbury's are willing to give up their time to help out at the school with labour ect....
http://www.facebook.com/mobileprotection#!/home.php?sk=group_110219162402033
Andy Parry
Sainsbury's Neston
andiparrySorry
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/home.php?sk=group_110219162402033
,MickSize 9'sAnyway, am I right in thinking the school does not have insurance then? I only ask because the fund raising suggests there is not, so were there to be greater damage, a flood or fire, then presumably we would lose the school completely.
By the way, for those who do not know, the Councillors Members Budget comes from your council tax.
Carrie SpaceyMickAnd yes the Councillor Local Budgets come from Council Tax. Where else could they come from?
andy wI checked about the school not being in my ward and was told that as a lot of its pupils are from my ward i could contribute.I think everyone would agree it is a worthwhile project to contribute to.The councillors budget is indeed paid for out of everyones council tax as size 9's pointed out but as Mick said all the council tax goes to the council,the benefit of the members budget is that it is spent on worthwhile projects by your local councillor who in most cases lives locally and knows were the money is needed
Mr G'Our thanks to: Tracey's Food Hall, Sainsbury's staff and customers, Marieto's Cafe, the individuals who have donated money and people who have dropped money into the collection tins, Rightway, Aboutmyarea, Scirard Lancelyn-Green, Steve Ebbrell Graphic Design Limited, GMB Union, HC roofing... Apologies if I've missed anyone.
Mr G'UPVC Care and Repair,
Carson Print Services Ltd,
Coral Jade Hair & Beauty
for their recent donations of money or prizes.
Thank you for your help and support
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