Mrs. Eileen Donnelly

DRUMGLASS High School is being targeted in a "relentless programme of vandalism", according to principal Mrs Eileen Donnelly. They're not alone, however, with vandals accounting for £9,425 worth of damage to 15 schools in the Dugannon area during the 2001-2002 finacial year. It's hoped this year's figures, to be published by the SELB soon, will be lower with additional security measures in place to prevent such incidents. In the wake of the latest attack Mrs Donnelly the campus may have to consider steps such as erecting security fencing around the school. A total of 18 windows were smashed in the weelend attack causing over £3,000 worth of damage. It happened on Friday night and damage could have been much worse but for the actions of a neighbour who alerted police to three youths acting suspiciously in the area. Mrs Donnelly said: "Obviously we're very annoyed this has continued.It was a very malicious attempt to destroy property but fortunately no access was gained." She went on to say: "It's very demotivating and demoralising for everyone at the school." The school, she added, was very isolated and they had tried to build a good relationship with the local community. She said she could see no reason why anyone would want to target the school: "It was clearly done out of anger and vehement feelings, perhaps with the intention of gaining access." Worst hit were the staff room and medical room where considerable efforts had been made to smash the toughened glass. Mrs Donnelly added: "People in the community are helping us and we will deal with any issues if children are causing a nuisance." Hitting out at the vandals she said: "These people have no respect for property." She went on to say the campus may have to look at an investment in security fencing: "We don't want that but it may be the only way to help the campus develop." Mrs Donnelly said they were making every effort to have the best possible relationship with the local community. The vandals, she said, were probably also causing destruction elsewhere: "They have that kind of mentality." Local SDLP MLA Tommy Gallagher expressed his disgust at the incident: "It really is disgraceful there was so much damage caused. "This is inconsiderate and irresponsible behaviour and is not acceptable in this community." Responsibility for the repairs falls to the school's private finance partners BDP.No spokesman for the company was available at time of going to press.

Copyright © The Tyrone Times 2002.