Posted on Wednesday 22nd February 2012
Hundreds of children were sent home today as callous thieves stole copper piping and caused extensive damage to the heating system at a Rhondda Cynon Taf comprehensive school.
Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari, the Welsh medium comprehensive school in the village of Llanharry, was the latest victim of heartless burglars who broke into the boilerhouse overnight.
A quantity of copper piping was stolen which caused widespread damage to the property as it then became a victim of flooding and will cost several thousand pound to repair.
There are additional costs due to the disruption with the loss of school meals and the need to arrange further school transport to take the children home.
Cllr Eudine Hanagan, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning said, “I am absolutely appalled by the blatant theft and vandalism at Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari. As an authority we pride ourselves in the first-class education facilities offered to our young people, as illustrated by our decision to invest a staggering £160million in our schools.
“Metal theft costs the Council – and its taxpayers - over a quarter of a million pound a year, money we could be spending on other services to benefit our residents.
“Apart from this, we are outraged that our communities are endangered and upset by the mindless theft of metal from our street lighting columns, roads and even precious buildings such as churches and crematoriums.
"I would urge anyone who knows anything or sees anything suspicious to come forward and report the information. Thefts of this kind will not be tolerated in our County Borough and we will catch those responsible.”
Officers from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Corporate Estates, together with engineers are currently trying to rectify the problem which has left the school without any heating or water.
It is hoped that Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari will reopen its doors tomorrow (Thursday) for the 700 school children who attend it. In recent months the school has also been victim to the theft of lead tiles from the roof.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is currently investing £3.3million at the site to incorporate a primary education facility which will extend the age range of pupils educated there.
The Council has also been forced to replace street lighting cables, steel bins, gulley covers and lead roof tiles in various locations throughout the County Borough as a result of theft.
If you have any information about the theft please contact South Wales Police on 101 or contact the Council on 01443 494700