WHARTON schools are resorting to security cameras in a bid to halt continuing vandalism problems.

Youths have caused thousands of pounds in damage to buildings in the Wharton area over the past few years.

The health centre, church and community centre have all been targets but Willow Wood Junior and Infant Schools have both had their share of problems.

The schools are now hoping to solve the problem by installing CCTV cameras on the buildings in a bid to deter vandals, or if that fails to catch them in the act.

Both schools have sent the plans to Vale Royal Borough Council's planning department.

A spokesman for the education authority, Cheshire County Council, said other schools across the county have introduced similar measures.

He said: "The schools are bringing in CCTV cameras for better security and ensure better safety within the school grounds.

"Both schools are working together and they have a development plan where security is one of the priorities."

The last serious vandalism attack at the schools happened during February this year when yobs cracked and smashed windows, causing damage estimated at thousands of pounds.

Infant headteacher Rosemary Hodgkinson warned at the time that if the problems continued it would have serious implications for her tight budget.

Counter measures against vandalism in Wharton have been successful in recent months but at a cost.

Wharton Health Clinic has been forced to turn itself into a virtual fortress with steel shutters and doors to keep the culprits away.

jpowell@guardiangrp.co.uk