VANDALS HAVOC AT NATURE RESERVE

By County Press Reporter - Friday, August 1, 2003

Northwood primary caretaker Terry Gibbins removes articles dumped in the vandalised school pond. Picture by CHRIS THWAITES.

By Gavin Foster VANDALS have devastated the Northwood Primary School's nature reserve and pond.
Over the weekend they ripped through the reserve gate, trampled the fencing and filled the pond with debris.
Caretaker Terry Gibbins began the clear-up operation on Tuesday and said: "I don't know who would have done such a thing but looking at the damage, I think it is older children.
"It would have taken a lot of effort to move some of the objects that were thrown into the pond."
These included a mower and large tree trunks used by the youngsters to sit by the pond.
Because the fence was trampled down during the attack, a heavy steel barricade has been put around the pond until proper repairs can be carried out.
Mr Gibbins said: "The pupils love the reserve and pond and they would be very upset had they been in school and seen what has been done."
The pond has been established at the Wyatts Lane premises for several years.
The IW Rural Community Council helped fund the restoration project, which involved staff, governors and pupils.
Police are investigating the incident.
Anyone with information should contact Cowes police station on 0845 045 45 45.

VANDALS HAVOC AT NATURE RESERVE

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