A primary school in Wales had to close following a senseless act of vandalism. Alway Primary School in Newport was forced to shut its doors after significant damage was discovered on Sunday, September 22. Parents and guardians were informed by the school governors of the closure due to the extensive destruction caused by vandals. Images captured by local councillor Deb Harvey displayed the aftermath of the attack, including liquid poured on the floor, overturned tables, a traffic stop sign through a door, smashed windows, and damaged technical equipment. Money was also stolen from the school piggy bank during the incident. The school issued a statement emphasizing the priority of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the children, stating that cleaning up and assessing the damage would require closing off the premises until at least Tuesday.
Despite the disruption, Alway Primary School managed to reopen on Tuesday morning, as confirmed by Newport city council. Gwent Police are actively investigating the incident, urging anyone with information to come forward. Councillor Deb Davies condemned the criminal behaviour and appealed to the public to assist the authorities in their investigation. The community in Alway rallied together in support, offering assistance such as fundraising efforts and pledges to replace stolen items.
Cllr Harvey praised the community’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity, highlighting their commitment to helping the school recover. The school expressed gratitude for the support received and emphasised the importance of standing together against such acts of vandalism. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities determined to bring those responsible to justice and prevent such behaviour from recurring in the future. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.