Three minibuses belonging to Priory Woods School and Arts College in Middlesbrough have been vandalised, with windows smashed, lights damaged and significant vandalism caused inside the vehicles. The school, located in Tothill Avenue, had five minibuses, of which three were targeted by vandals who repeatedly returned to the site to carry out the damage.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 20, between 6pm and 7.30pm. Staff described the buses as 'not a luxury' but 'essential' for the welfare of the children. With only two minibuses remaining available for the start of term, dozens of pupils will not be able to go on school trips, activities and community experiences that are an important part of their education and development.
School staff speak out
In a Facebook post, staff said: "With only two minibuses remaining available for the start of term, our ability to provide these opportunities will be significantly affected. As a Special Educational Needs school, our minibuses are not a luxury. They are essential. They enable our students to access opportunities beyond the classroom, develop independence and take part in experiences that many people take for granted."
The post continued: "The damage caused includes smashed windows, damaged lights and significant vandalism inside the vehicles. The cost of repairing this damage will ultimately divert valuable resources that would otherwise be spent supporting the young people we are here to serve. If you have any information that may assist, please contact the school or Cleveland Police. The incident was captured on CCTV and all footage has been supplied to Cleveland Police."
Staff added: "What has happened is far more than vandalism. It is our pupils who will pay the price through missed opportunities and disrupted experiences at the start of the school year. If you are able to share this post within the local community, we would be extremely grateful."
Fundraiser launched
A fundraising page has been set up by The Teesside Family Foundation to raise £25,000 to repair or replace the minibuses. So far, more than £7,475 has been pledged by 331 donors.
Tony Wedlake, Founder and Trustee of The Teesside Family Foundation, said: "I'm absolutely devastated. I genuinely struggled to find the words when I saw the photographs. These aren't just three minibuses. For the children at Priory Woods, they are a lifeline. They give children opportunities to get out into the community, visit the beach, go to the theatre, experience days out and make memories. Things many of us probably take for granted."
Wedlake added: "One of those buses is especially close to our hearts because The Teesside Family Foundation contributed £30,000 towards it. That money came from the generosity of people and businesses across Teesside who supported our fundraising because they wanted to make a difference to local children. To see it sitting there with its windows smashed is heartbreaking. But our focus now has to be on the children. They're due back at school and they need these buses. Whoever caused this damage may have smashed the windows, but we are not going to allow them to take these opportunities away from the children. Let's get these buses back on the road and back where they belong — supporting the children of Priory Woods."
Anyone wishing to donate can do so via the fundraising page.
