New security measures approved at vandal-hit Market Drayton school
New outdoor security measures are being installed at a Market Drayton school after damage caused by vandals.
Plans have been approved to install seven CCTV cameras as well as new fencing and gates outside Longlands Primary School in Linden Way.
It comes after previous incidents where people have been able to gain access and damage the schools grounds and facilities.
The proposal was supported by Market Drayton Town Council, provided the CCTV cameras are not "intrusive" to the bungalows at the rear of the school.
One letter received from a resident also asked for the cameras not be intrusive to the privacy of the properties situated in Annefield Close.
A report by Shropshire Council case officer Alison Groom states: "The installation of the CCTV cameras and the replacement the boundary fencing and gates are required to safeguard the occupants of the building and is in the public interest.
"The siting, scale and design of the proposed will not result in any harm to the site or the surroundings. It is considered that the proposed gates and fences are acceptable for there intended purpose and use, with no harm being caused to the surrounding highway."
As part of the scheme, the existing 1.8 metre high fencing will be dismantled and replaced with a new proposed fence design, increased in height to 2.4 metres.
The low level pedestrian gates will remain in position but increased to the recommended height of 2.4 metres.
A statement submitted in support of the application states: "The school is generally in a good state of repair, and has had recently undergone a recent roof and windows replacement scheme, building and site maintenance is of a high standard.
"However, safeguarding, in respect of site security at the school is of a poor condition; allowing for frequent unauthorised access to the site grounds, where individuals have been able to access and damage the schools grounds and facilities.
"In support of effective safeguarding, it is the schools proposal that site security is improved with new fencing and gate arrangements in place of existing, complemented by the use of newly installed CCTV and access control."
In 2015 more than £600 worth of damage was caused to the pre-school playground as part of an attack which saw vandals urinate over play equipment.
Vandals also smashed a table and ripped up trees as part of the attack.
