School gets gates to beat vandalism

23/07/2009

East Lothian Council is hoping new gates and fences around a school will stop anti-social behaviour and prevent people from walking their dogs in the grounds.

The local authority has put the gates and fences up around Tranent's Ross High School to prevent vandalism, dog fouling and youths loitering on the site, reported the East Lothian Courier.

To ensure the area is secure the gates will only be opened during term time in the mornings and evenings, to allow children in and out of school.

Peter MacKenzie, education and children's services convener, told the source: "Although most people behave responsibly, some don't and, as a result, the school has suffered from acts of malicious damage and dog fouling."

He added that although some people may find the gates being closed an inconvenience, the school's priority is the safety of the pupils.

Earlier this year a school in Kingswood, Bristol, was given an award for taking steps to close gates during the school day and improve the safety of the site.

Kings' Forest Primary School was recently given the Secured by Design award from the Association of Chief Police Officers, with pupils now saying they feel safer as the gates are closed.