Drumduan School representatives discuss vandalism issues with Forres police and councillors
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REPRESENTATIVES from a local school that is suffering vandalism met with police and councillors to discuss how to resolve the issue.
Drumduan School business manager Dorna Khorramzadeh, trustee Nicola Newton and administrator Emma Malone talked to PC Stephanie Bayliss, Moray councillor Lorna Creswell and Steve Ferris, of Forres Community Council (FCC), about young people hanging around the grounds after school and at the weekends, drinking, leaving the area in a mess and destroying property.
Ms Malone confirmed the meeting was positive.
She said: “Forres police now have two dedicated community officers in response to the increase of anti-social behaviour in the area.
“The last vandalism occurred over the Easter holidays when youths scaled the grass-roofed outdoor classroom and launched bottles onto a paved basketball area below, covering it in smashed glass. Two weeks, ago six teens were captured on our CCTV drinking on our school grounds, one to the point of apparent collapse.”
She added: “We will continue to work with the local police and community council to maintain the good relationship we have with our neighbours.”
Forres police inspector, Tony McCullie, claimed his team provide a clear channel through which antisocial behaviour can be addressed.
He said: “We are liaising closely with the school. A number of measures will be progressed as part of our wider youth engagement.”
Cllr Creswell pointed out that Drumduan School plans on increased engagement with the wider community.
She said: “Outdoor activities will help bring about a more positive attitude to the facilities and bring people together after the restrictions of the pandemic.”
FCC member Steve Ferris lives near Drumduan School.
He said: “It’s terrible that staff have to pick up broken glass where children play. The damage to property must be heartbreaking and a drain on limited financial resources.”
A police spokesperson added: “If you see antisocial behaviour, call 101 to report it.”
