A special school has launched a public appeal to help raise the £11,000 needed to replace a trampoline left beyond repair by repeated vandalism.

The Comet: Barry Norman hands the new key to headteacher Dave VictorBarry Norman hands the new key to headteacher Dave Victor (Image: Archant)

When Greenside School’s headteacher Dave Victor arrived at the school in Shephall Green, Stevenage on Monday morning he found that vandals had “completely trashed” all the netting around the competition-standard trampoline.

And the latest attack means that disabled pupils who get tremendous benefit from using the trampoline have been told it’s out of bounds for the rest of the term.

“We had two visits during the weekend and the damage is really quite severe,” said Mr Victor.

“It is no longer repairable and we’ve decided we’re going to sink the trampoline and make it level with the ground.

“Then we’re going to put up new netting which will cost £11,000 altogether.

“As it’s outside it isn’t insured so I’m appealing to people to help us raise the money so the children can keep getting the benefit of using it.”

The school which supports children with special needs aged between two and 19 has already been hit by intruders once this term.

On Wednesday, April 22, four people broke in and stole bikes as well as damaging the trampoline.

That damage could have been patched up but the latest attack has now made that impossible, according to Mr Victor.

He said: “I just can’t understand why anyone would do something like this.

“I feel absolutely disgusted with what these people have done because it has such a negative impact on the kids.

“It’s just needless vandalism and it’s completely pointless.”

Anyone with information about the crime should call Herts police on 101.

To find out more and to donate to the appeal call the school on 01438 315356.