PROGRESS on a new school build in Craigavon could be impacted after vandals caused thousands of pounds worth of damage at the site, staff have said.
The new build site for Lismore Comprehensive School at Craigavon's Monbrief East Road was targeted at the weekend, with construction staff arriving to find equipment had been thrown onto the roof of the building, and window panes inside and outside damaged.
Unfitted window panes on a pallet were also damaged, while three windows of a crane cab were broken, in what police have described as an "appalling act of vandalism".
The £25 million build will replace the existing school, located close by at Brownlow Road when it is completed next February. However, a school spokesperson warned that vandalism could impact the estimated completion date.
Last year the school also hit out at "ongoing episodes of vandalism" that had "impeded the work of the contractors".
In a new statement yesterday, a spokesperson said: "As a school community we were shocked and disappointed to learn about the significant and costly damage incurred to our new school build.
"Newly fitted windows were smashed as was a considerable amount of glass due to be installed today. In addition, a crane was vandalised. This unwarranted behaviour may impact progress on the build.
"As a school which prides itself on our links with the local community, we would urge those responsible to desist from such unacceptable practices and allow our new school, which is being built to enhance provision for the people of Craigavon and surrounding areas, to continue without further interruption."
A PSNI spokesperson said: "We estimate this appalling act of vandalism to have cost thousands of pounds worth of damages.
"I would appeal to anyone involved in this kind of anti-social activity to stop and would also urge anyone with any information or concerns to contact our Neighbourhood Team."
Urging those with information to contact the non-emergency 101 number, the spokesperson added: "Reporting incidents that impact on your quality of life helps us to focus patrols where they are needed most."
