Mindless vandals have damaged an outdoor play area and caused flooding damage at a Hamilton nursery school. Intruders entered the premises of Hollandbush Nursery on Irvine Terrace on Saturday night, causing breakages and damage to the outdoor play area, including the children's 'hobbit hut', and causing flooding, believed to have been done using a hose.
Council condemns attack on place of learning
South Lanarkshire Council is still assessing the repair cost of the 'deeply regrettable' incident. A spokesperson said: 'We absolutely condemn this attack on a place of learning for young children.' Police are now investigating, including reviewing images from the nursery's CCTV footage.
Nursery remains open despite damage
Hollandbush has 190 places for under-fives. Staff, council officials, and the community were dismayed to discover the damage when youngsters returned on Monday morning. Despite the vandalism, pre-school children were still able to attend nursery as usual while repairs to the hut and outdoor play space were carried out, along with assessments of the water damage.
A council spokesperson added: 'There was a deeply regrettable incident of vandalism at Hollandbush nursery in Hamilton on Saturday. The intruders did not get into the building but did damage the outdoor play area, including the hobbit hut, and caused some flooding. Repairs are now underway. We absolutely condemn this attack on a place of learning for young children. The nursery opened as usual and the staff have been reassuring parents and carers that safety and wellbeing remains our priority.'
Council officials added: 'A police investigation is now underway and CCTV is being reviewed.' A Police Scotland spokesperson said: 'We were made aware of damage to property at a premises on Irvine Terrace, Hamilton, which occurred on the evening of Saturday, June 6. Enquiries are ongoing.'
