A FLEXIBLE arrangement between Okehampton Primary School and the community where facilities can be shared is under threat following the second attack of vandalism.
One of the school's treasured sunshades, which were bought with funds raised by the PTFA and Somerfield staff, was ripped apart over the Bank Holiday weekend and is completely unrepairable.
This is the second time vandals have attacked a sunshade and staff and pupils are distraught.
Headteacher Brian Cunningham said looking at the damage that had been done, the vandals used brute force.
'It has been a shock to everybody that someone could do this and obviously get pleasure out of it,' he said.
'The children are very upset but we will not be beaten by this.'
He said the school would now be re-thinking its policy on the use of the school grounds after school hours.
'We have always taken the approach that the school grounds are an open space within the town which people of the town can use but not abuse,' he said.
'We have put up basketball posts and the town's youngsters have used them when the school is not open but we will have to restrict this sort of thing if we are going to get vandalism like this.'
The sunshades were installed two years ago and cost around £650 each.
Part of the funds came from staff from Somerfield who chose the school as its charity that year and the remainder was raised by the hardworking PTFA who provide extra facilities for the school.
Footage from CCTV cameras at the school is now being investigated.
If anyone has information on this crime they should contact Okehampton Police on 08705 777444.
Meanwhile the school will attempt to raise more funds to replace the wrecked sunshade.
If anyone wants to make a donation they should call Mr Cunningham on 01837 52866.